Wargaming, the publisher of the popular free-to-play games World of Tanks and World of Warships,
stated today that it has ended operations in Russia and Belarus and that its original studio and old
headquarters in Minsk would be closed. While numerous gaming firms have pulled out of the Russian
and Belarusian markets in recent weeks, this is a huge move. Wargaming, which is presently located in
Cyprus was founded in Belarus and has maintained a large studio in the Belarusian capital Minsk till
now.

Wargaming announced on LinkedIn that it had begun the process of closing its Minsk studio. It further
stated that, as of March 31, it has handed the business of operating its games in Russia and Belarus to
Lesta Studio, a Russian developer acquired by Wargaming in 2011 but now "no longer linked with
Wargaming." Under Lesta's ownership, the games will continue to be available in Russia and Belarus.

"This procedure will not benefit the company today or in the future." On the contrary, we expect to lose a
significant amount of money as a result of this decision," the statement read. In Russia, World of Tanks is
a very popular game.

Wargaming also has a studio in Kyiv, Ukraine's capital, where approximately 500 people work. Sergey
Burkatovskiy, Wargaming's creative director, was sacked in February after making a remark on Facebook
in support of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Burkatovskiy's viewpoint "categorically does not reflect the
company's position," according to Wargaming.

At the same time, Wargaming donated $1 million to the Ukrainian Red Cross, stating that "all available
company resources are helping and supporting our 550+ colleagues [in Ukraine]: giving alternate
housing, early salary checks, additional monies to facilitate travel and relocation." We assist our
employees' families with travel to neighboring countries and lodging arrangements."