The companies still doing business in Russia despite Ukraine invasion

More companies are pulling out of Russia each day, but some do remain, as Business editor Joel Hills reports

Dozens of companies, including some of the biggest brands in the world like Apple, McDonalds and Starbucks, have pulled out of Russia in protest of its invasion of Ukraine.

More are announcing a withdrawal each day, but some big-name brands have remained relatively silent on the war and continue to set up stall.

That’s despite growing calls worldwide to remove support – whether direct or indirect – for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s economy.

Minister Grant Shapps told ITV News there is “no justification for continuing to deal with Russia” and to “provide services” in the country.

“To be in any way involved in helping with Putin’s economy is really almost to be providing blood money to funding his war machine,” he said.

“What he’s doing in Ukraine is pure evil.”

Here are some of the companies continuing trade in Russia.

British American Tobacco (BAT)

BAT’s Russia business employs around 2,500 staff across its headquarters in Moscow, 75 regional offices and a factory in St Petersburg.

In a statement the company said it has “suspended all planned capital investment into Russia” and is “scaling our business activities appropriate to the current situation, including rationalising our marketing activities.”

However, the company said it will continue to operate in Russia.

"As a key principle we have a duty of care to all our employees at this extremely complicated and uncertain time for them and their families," BAT said in a statement

“We are deeply concerned about the conflict in Ukraine. The safety and wellbeing of our people there and across the region is our first priority," a spokesperson said. All business and manufacturing operations are suspended in Ukraine, the statement adds, and the company is providing "all the support and assistance we can to our colleagues, including relocation and temporary accommodation."

“This fast-moving and complex situation demands us to constantly assess a wide range of factors and considerations," the company said.

"We are complying, and will continue to comply with, all international sanctions related to this conflict in full."

Nestle

Nestle has said it will continue to provide essential food products in Russia, where it has seven productions sites, according to its website.

But the company has stopped advertising in the country and will not be putting in any capital investment for the time being.

The company has more than 7,000 employees in Russia and, according to Yale University in the United States, the country accounts for 2.3% of the company’s revenue – or £1.3 billion.

A spokesperson said: “As a food company and employer, we also have a responsibility toward the people in Russia and our more than 7,000 employees – most of whom are locals.

"We will continue to ensure a reliable supply of safe and essential food products to the local people in the country.

"Our diverse range of essential food products includes baby food and breakfast cereals. We have consistently stayed the course – also during difficult times – to serve the local people who need it the most."

Why has Russia invaded Ukraine and can Putin be stopped? Listen to the ITV News 'What You Need To Know' podcast

Mars

Two weeks after Russia invaded Ukraine, Mars has said it will "scale back" its operations in Russia, but said it will still continue with its "essential role" to feed "people and pets".

The packaged foods company added that any profits it makes from Russia "will be used for humanitarian causes.

"We have suspended new investments in Russia and will not import or export our products in or out of Russia. Our social media and advertising activity in Russia and Belarus will remain suspended."

A statement on Mars' website said the company "would not hesitate" to take further action if needed and that their "hearts are broken by this terrible war".

The company said it will increase donations to humanitarian causes by £7.6 million, in addition to the £1.5 million committed to affected people and pets last week.

Mondelez

After two weeks of silence, Cadbury maker Mondelez International Inc said the packaged food maker is scaling back all non-essential activities in Russia while helping maintain "continuity" of the food supply, according to a memo posted on the company's website.

CEO Dirk Van de Put said in the statement that the company is discontinuing all new capital investments and suspending advertising media spending as well.

However, it means that Mondelez - which also produces Ritz biscuits and Oreos - items will still be available to buy in Russia.

Marriott

Hotel chain Marriott International Inc has said it is pausing the opening of upcoming hotels and all future hotel development and investment in Russia.

The company will also close its corporate office in Russia, but will not be closing hotels."Our hotels in Russia are owned by third parties and we continue to evaluate the ability for these hotels to remain open," the company said.

Hyatt

Similarly, Hyatt Hotels Corp said it would suspend new investments while determining the best way to support workers and guests at its Russia hotels, meaning its outlets are still operating.

Hilton

While it has not announced it is closing its hotels across Russia, Hilton said it is closing its corporate office in Moscow and suspending new hotel development in Russia.

Russian workers will continue to be paid, the company said.