By Dawn Chmielewski

(Reuters). -Hollywood Studios Disney Warner Bros. Sony Pictures Entertainment (NYSE:) announced they would suspend the theatrical release of any upcoming Russian movies in protest to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and ongoing humanitarian crisis.

Monday’s announcement by The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:) Co was that it would suspend the Russian theatrical film release. This will begin with “Turning Red”, a Pixar Animation Studios movie. WarnerMedia announced within hours that it will halt this week’s Russian release of “The Batman”.

Disney released a statement saying that they will continue to evaluate the situation and make business decisions. We are working closely with NGO partners in order to offer humanitarian aid as well as urgent assistance, due to the magnitude of the refugee crisis.

A Sony Pictures Entertainment spokesperson stated in an email that, in light of the continuing military actions in Ukraine, they would “pause our planned theatrical release in Russia,” including the imminent release Morbius.

Ukrainian Film Academy launched an online petition to demand an international boycott on Russian cinemas after the invasion.

Russia has been a key market for Hollywood. In 2021 it will account for $601 Million in box office, or approximately 2.8% worldwide ticket sales.

A number of major movies are scheduled for worldwide release. “The Batman” will open in Russia March 3, as part a global roll-out. “Sonic the Hedgehog 2,” by Paramount Pictures, opens on April 8.

WarnerMedia said it would continue to monitor the situation as it awaits “a swift and peaceful resolution to this tragedy.”

According to one Hollywood trade magazine, studio executives wrestle with Russia as U.S. economic sanctions are imposed on European allies.

How would the U.S., its allies and Russia want to isolate Russia? Would they allow us to release movies in Russia?” According to The Hollywood Reporter, one executive from the studio.