Вeloved brands or international sponsors of war?
Mondelez, PepsiCo, Unilever, Nestle, Procter & Gamble, and Mars – these fast-moving consumer goods companies are recognized worldwide for their iconic brands, from Oreo and Milka chocolates to Pepsi and Dove soap. Despite Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine, these firms continue business operations in the country, supporting the Kremlin with corporate taxes & mobilization of their employees, as per requirements of Russia’s Partial Mobilization Law.
How do they justify their continued presence in Russia? Mainly by claiming to provide essential goods to the local population, even though their products consist of chocolates, cookies and personal hygiene items. Their CEOs also claim to care deeply about the welfare of their Russia-based employees, even though they are obliged to assist the Russian state with their mobilization to the frontline.
Such excuses fall short in the face of the staggering human cost of the war. According to Ukraine’s Prosecutor General’s Office as of June, 2024, since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, there have been more than 133,000 registered Russian war crimes. The toll on children is particularly devastating, with more than 550 killed and almost 1,400 injured.
While Russia terrorizes Ukrainians on a daily basis, many global consumer brands do business in the country that continues to commit war crimes. It is no wonder that all six companies, PepsiCo, Mars, Nestle, Mondelez, P&G and Unilever, have been named International War Sponsors by the Ukrainian government.
The CEOs of the largest consumer brands are gathering at the Consumer Goods Forum in Chicago. Why are these people invited to events as speakers again and again? Why are they being listened to? History has not forgotten those companies that supported Nazi Germany during World War II, and today’s corporate leaders face a similar moral litmus test.
Supporting these brands means endorsing their contribution to Russia’s war crimes.
Are they beloved brands or international sponsors of war? Make your choice.
Source b4ukraine