The coder supply chain runs through Ukraine

Members of Ukrainian forces patrol the streets at Maidan square in Kyiv, on Feb 27, 2022. Ukrainian code can be found almost anywhere in the world. — AFP

The maps that connect Lyft Inc customers with their nearest driver, the grammar software that tells you when to use “whom” instead of “who” and the targeting system that helps players of the newest Assassin’s Creed video game aim a weapon, all owe a debt of gratitude to programmers in Ukraine. The country is among the largest exporters of information-technology services in Europe, known for its well-educated and affordable labour market.

There are roughly 250,000 technology professionals in the country. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine imperils many of their lives. It has also disrupted projects at a raft of global tech companies and startups. Employers are now arranging escape plans for their workers in Ukraine and setting aside financial aid. Apple Inc and Google have outposts there, as does France’s Ubisoft Entertainment SA and Israel’s Wix.com Ltd.