Google Halts YouTube, Google Play Payment-Based Services In Russia

Alphabet Inc's GOOG GOOGL YouTube and Google Play store halted every payment-based service in Russia, including subscriptions, Reuters reports.
Western sanctions have started to pose banking challenges in Russia.
Visa Inc V and Mastercard Inc MA blocked Russian banks from their networks following sanctions.
Google and YouTube had recently stopped selling online advertising in Russia following Twitter Inc TWTR and Snap Inc SNAP after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
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YouTube channels in Russia can generate revenue from viewers outside of Russia through ads and paid features, including Super Chat and merchandise sales.
The free apps on Google Play also remain available in Russia.
Price Action: GOOG shares are down 1.77% at $2,629.82 premarket on the last check Thursday.