ANKARA

Maersk, the world's largest container shipping company, said Tuesday it has temporarily suspended all shipments to Russia.

The Copenhagen-based multinational said it is "deeply concerned" by how the crisis in Ukraine keeps escalating.

The company said the stability and safety of its operations have been impacted both directly and indirectly by sanctions on Russia.

There are, however, some exceptions to the move, such as food and medical and humanitarian supplies, Maersk said.

"This exception is to underline that our company is focusing on social responsibility and making the efforts to support society despite all the complications and uncertainties within the current supply chain to/from Russia," it said in a statement.

"The suspension will begin today and cover all Russian gateway ports," it added.