russia brands

These are the brands which are stopping operations in Russia

ASOS, McDonald’s and Netflix are just some of the brands showing support for Ukraine


As the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues a number of brands are ceasing operations, shutting down offices and closing their restaurants in Russia in a show of support for Ukraine.

Netflix, TikTok and Starbucks are amongst the cooperations who have stopped business. However Ukraine has just released a list of 50 brands who are still operating in Russia including big names such as Burger King, Samsung, Coty and Pfizer.

The Ukraine ministry of foreign affairs shared the list of companies on Twitter today and urged them to end business in Russia as they are allegedly aiding the Russian government by continuing their businesses.

On Twitter they said: “Every Ruble paid in taxes to Russia turns into deaths and tears of Ukrainian children.”

However a number of businesses have already boycotted Russia, including these which most of us access nearly every day:

McDonald’s

McDonald’s has joined the boycott of Russia and has closed all 850 restaurants in the country, but will continue to pay the 62,000 staff.

The CEO and president of McDonald’s, Chris Kempczinski, said they were closing the restaurants as it was the right thing to do and it is impossible to predict when they will reopen again.

The McDonald’s stores in Russia made up nearly 10 per cent of McDonald’s revenue last year.

Netflix

Over the weekend Netflix made the announcement they would be withdrawing services from Russia.

When the invasion of Ukraine first happened Netflix said they were stopping production on a number of Russian original productions including a crime series.

But now they are suspending all service to their 1 million subscribers in the country.

TikTok

Though TikTok hasn’t completely banned its service in Russia, it is placing restrictions on its use.

Live streaming and uploading new content has been banned after Russia imposed new laws surrounding “fake news” about the invasion of Ukraine.

They said on Twitter the in-app messaging service would not be disrupted.

Starbucks

Hours after McDonald’s announced they were closing their restaurants Starbucks followed suit and said they would be suspending all business activity in Russia.

They said they would be: “Suspending all business activity in Russia, including shipment of its products and cafes run by a licensee”.

ASOS

People living in Russia are currently unable to order from ASOS after the company stopped shipping products to Russia.

A spokesperson for ASOS said safety was the top priority. She said: “ASOS’ priority is the safety of its colleagues and partners in Ukraine and Russia.

“ASOS’ priority is the safety of its colleagues and partners in Ukraine and Russia. Immediately following the invasion, ASOS suspended sales in Ukraine as it became impossible to serve customers there.

“Against the backdrop of the continuing war, ASOS has decided that it is neither practical nor right to continue to trade in Russia, and has, therefore, today suspended sales there. Our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine and all those affected in the region.”

Apple

Apple said they are “deeply concerned” about what is going on in Ukraine and are therefore limiting their services in Russia.

They have stopped all product sales to Russia and restricted the use of ApplePay and Apple Maps.

In a statement Apple said: “We are deeply concerned about the Russian invasion of Ukraine and stand with all of the people who are suffering as a result of the violence.

“We are supporting humanitarian efforts, providing aid for the unfolding refugee crisis, and doing all we can to support our teams in the region.”

Airbnb

No one is looking to travel to Russia right now anyway, but that hasn’t stopped Airbnb from pausing all operations in the country in support of Ukraine.

There are currently over 900 short-term rentals available in Russia on Airbnb.

The founder of Airbnb, Brian Chesky, said they would be looking to house 100,000 Ukrainian refugees.

Ikea

Last week Ikea announced it would be pausing all operations in Russia. This includes shutting the 14 stores and stopping all imports and exports in Russia and Belarus.

The company released a statement expressing their sympathy for Ukraine: “The devastating war in Ukraine is a human tragedy, and our deepest empathy and concerns are with the millions of people impacted.

“The immediate actions of Inter IKEA Group and Ingka Group have been to support the personal safety and security of IKEA co-workers and their families, and we will continue to do so.”

Spotify

Spotify has closed their office in Russia “indefinitely” however the app is still accessible for users.

They have launched an information hub within the app that includes a variety of news sources they deem “trustworthy” including BBC News and The Guardian.

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