British Consumer Giant Unilever facing Backlash for Continuing Operations in Russia

New Delhi (05/07/2023): Unilever, the United Kingdom-based multinational that is the world’s largest ice cream manufacturer, has issued a statement defending its decision to continue operations in Russia.

This declaration comes after more than a year of fighting between Russia and Ukraine. Unilever argued in their argument that departing was “not straightforward” since their businesses would be taken over by the Russian authorities if they abandoned them.

However, Ukrainian leaders slammed Unilever this week after a new Russian law forced the company to pay to continuing war efforts.

On Monday, the Ukraine Solidarity Project coordinated rallies against the corporation, listing it among ‘sponsors of war’ alongside Procter & Gamble and the French retail chain Leroy Merlin. The news comes after it was discovered that Unilever paid $331 million in taxes to Moscow last year.

According to the Moral Rating Agency, Unilever has been helping Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It’s founder Mark Dixon said, “Unilever must stop hiding behind its balance sheet and excuses to face the reality that selling an ice cream can allow Putin to pay for a bullet.”

According to local media sources, Western corporations ranging from Apple to Levi’s have abandoned Russia following its illegal invasion of Ukraine last year. The giants made this choice for ethical reasons as well as because sanctions have made it harder to operate in the country.

However, Unilever has continued to market products such as Marmite and PG Tips in the UK. However, exports and imports to and from Russia have ceased, as has advertising. According to the corporation, it has only sold “essential” products in the country, such as everyday food and hygiene products.

However, some companies continue to do business there, such as Procter & Gamble, which has stated that it has reduced its operations in the country. According to the Moral Rating Agency (MRA), Unilever’s production facilities in Russia continued to make and sell the majority of its original commodities in the nation.

Taking to Twitter, in March 2022, the company wrote, “We understand why there are calls for Unilever to leave Russia…to protect or manage our business in Russia. However, for companies like Unilever, which have a significant physical presence in the country, exiting is not straightforward.”