Discovery, Inc. became the first major international media group to announce it is leaving the Russian market two weeks after the start of the Russian invasion in Ukraine.

"Discovery has decided to suspend the broadcast of its channels and services in Russia," the company said.

Fifteen of Discovery's entertainment brands, including HGTV, Animal Planet, TLC and Eurosport, are distributed through Media Alliance, a joint venture with Russia's National Media Group.

National Media Group also was in partnership with Netflix, which in late 2020 launched a version of the service with Russian subtitles, local films and offered local payment options. Netflix suspended its Russian service on Sunday.

Hours later, WarnerMedia, which is scheduled to merge with Discovery later this year, announced that it is “pausing all new business in Russia”.

According to Variety, in a memo to WarnerMedia staff, Kilar said, “I want to share with each of you a number of decisions we have made with regard to WarnerMedia’s business operations in Russia.”

“Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, WarnerMedia is pausing all new business in Russia. This includes ceasing broadcast of our channels, halting all new content licensing with Russian entities and pausing our planned theatrical and games releases,” he continued.

Kilar further stated, “We are following this situation closely and future business decisions will be made with that context in mind. Our thoughts in this moment are with the people of Ukraine.”