Yale researchers keep track of company actions in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
Some of the biggest brands are leaving Russia. Others just can’t quit Putin, 7 April 2022
Companies have a role to play in keeping the economic pressure on President Vladimir Putin. To that end, our team has placed businesses in one of five categories based on their response to the war. Consumers should know whether the companies that make their food, clothes and goods are fully committed to ending Mr. Putin’s atrocities.
Our goal is absolute, and some might even say extreme: Every corporation with a presence in Russia must publicly commit to a total cessation of business there. Russians who rely on the food or medicine those companies make or jobs they provide may suffer hardship. But if that’s what it takes to stop Mr. Putin from killing innocent Ukrainians, that’s what businesses must do.
We realize that some companies already do business with many other repressive and murderous regimes around the world. But now there’s a chance to draw a line with one country, over one unprovoked war of aggression, and make a difference. Here are some of the biggest brands that are leaving Russia, along with companies that are staying put and supporting Mr. Putin with their imports, exports, and taxes.
At least 253 companies are making a clean break from Russia, leaving behind essentially no operational footprint...
At least 248 companies have suspended all or almost all of their corporate operations in Russia without permanently exiting or divesting...
At least 75 companies have suspended a significant portion of their business in Russia...
At least 96 companies have publicly announced that they are pausing new investments in Russia but are largely continuing to operate in the country as they did before...
At least 162 companies have not announced substantial voluntary changes to either their operations or their investments in the country...