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Cond Nast has announced it is closing its entire Russian franchise as a result of the war in Ukraine and Russias new censorship laws.

The magazine publishers seven Russian publications Vogue, GQ, GQ Style, Tatler, Glamour, Glamour Style Book and Architectural Digest are expected to close with immediate effect.

In a memo emailed to Cond Nasts global staff on Tuesday, the companys chief executive officer, Roger Lynch, wrote: The escalation in the severity of the censorship laws, which have significantly curtailed free speech and punished reporters simply for doing their jobs, has made our work in Russia untenable.

While weve had a successful business in Russia for over 20 years, the continued atrocities brought on by this unprovoked war and the related censorship laws have made it impossible for us to continue operating there.

Cond Nasts Russian editions were initially suspended on 8 March. When Vogue Russia announced its suspension until further notice to its 1 million Instagram followers, it added: We believe that this is not a farewell letter, but only a short pause, after which we will return to you. We hope that soon we will be able to continue our work. It has not posted on the social media site since.

Vogue launched in 1998 as its 10th international edition and the flagship of Cond Nasts Russian arm. Models including Claudia Schiffer, Kate Moss, Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner have appeared on its cover.

Fiona McKenzie Johnston, a British journalist who regularly contributed to Vogue Russia, said the Vogue Russia team was very much pro-peace and had used the magazines platform to promote anti-war messaging.

In early March, Vogue Russia shared a series of Picasso-inspired doves illustrated by Russian artists on its Instagram feed. Vogue is calling for Peace was a constant refrain, McKenzie Johnston said.

On its website, Cond Nast said Vogue Russia had more than 800,000 readers and was the most-read high-end fashion magazine in the country. The company claims that the combined reach of its Russian editions was more than 21 million people.

Lynch explained to staff that about 10% of employees in Russia would remain to fulfil certain outstanding obligations.

Its our absolute priority to do all we can and support everyone affected, including providing enhanced severance and benefits, employee assistance and outplacement programs, and dedicated People team guidance in applying for open positions in other markets.

Cond Nast Russias initial suspension followed announcements from numerous fashion designers and luxury goods companies, including Herms, LVMH, Richemont and Kering, that they were pausing trading in Russia.

On 9 March, Hearst Magazines publisher of Elle, Esquire, Harpers Bazaar and Cosmopolitan announced it was terminating its licensing agreements for its Russian publications.

More:
Vogue Russia closes as Cond Nast stops publishing after rise in censorship - The Guardian