A new report released by Stop Business with Russia (SBWR) shows that Buzzi Unicem, a global cement specialist that operates several plants in Russia, supplied its products to the largest government-controlled Russian enterprises, such as Rosneft and Rosatom. It continues the expansion of Russian business in 2022 and shows support to mobilised workers.

In the press-release dated 12 May 2022, the Company announced its decision to cease any operational involvement in the activities carried out by SLK Cement (through which Buzzi Unicem operates in Russia) and to suspend strategic initiatives due to the sanctions imposed on Russia. At the same time, according to the report, the company has been actively hiring in 2022.

Besides, SLK Cement, is one of the largest taxpayers in the region, thereby continuing to finance the Russian war machine through locally paid taxes. According to Meduza, approx. 23% of Russian budget in 2023 relate to “secret” expenses that might be connected with the armed forces or directly with the invasion of Ukraine.

Business & Human Rights Resource Centre invited Buzzi Unicem to respond to the allegations, but the company did not.

In March 2023, Buzzi Unicem issued a statement rejecting the allegations. The company statement is available below.