As a direct response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February, Bayer stopped all spending in Russia and Belarus that is not related to supplying essential products in health and agriculture. Our position is clear – this war, initiated by Russia, is taking too many lives every day. As a Life Science company, we have an ethical obligation to ensure continuity of access to medicines and agriculture products in every country we operate. Withholding essential healthcare and agriculture products from the civilian populations – like cancer or cardiovascular treatments, health products for pregnant women and children as well as seeds to grow food – would only multiply the war’s ongoing toll on human life. Through our commitment, we act in the spirit of the UN, the G7 and the European Union, which are calling to ensure global food supply and access to healthcare.

We are closely monitoring the current developments related to mobilization announced in Russia. The safety of our employees is our priority, and we are currently identifying means to best support them and to ensure that our employees are able to continuing their important contribution in supplying medicines and agricultural products. Via our industry associations we are advocating for exemptions from military service for affected employees.