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Netflix Execs Knew Putin’s Pals Were a Problem

Reed Hastings and Ted Sarandos’ deal with a Russian media partner with ties to Vladimir Putin was already deeply controversial inside Netflix, even before Putin invaded Ukraine.

Reed Hastings and Ted Sarandos
Photo by Dominique Charriau/Getty Images
Matthew Belloni
March 7, 2022

Back in early 2020, Netflix was deciding whether to go all-in on Russia. At the time, the streamer offered only a very limited product in the territory. But a proposed deal with the country’s National Media Group, the Kremlin-friendly media association, would potentially supercharge its effort, allowing for popular regional shows, payment options in rubles, and Russian subtitles.