Car shipments were paused. Beer stopped flowing. McDonald's shut down sales of Big Macs. Cargo ships dropped port calls and oil companies cut their pipelines.
Russia'sinvasion of Ukraine is leading some of the world's best known brands — from Apple to Disney and Ikea — to abruptly exit a country that's become a globaloutcast.
"Youbasically have Russia becoming a commercial pariah," said economistMary Lovely, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for InternationalEconomics in Washington. "Pretty much no company, no multinational,wants to be caught on the wrong side of U.S. and Western sanctions."
Along with needing to comply with Western sanctions against Russia, companies are increasingly aware of the potential risks to their reputations by continuing with business as usual in the country, while some have cited their own corporate responsibility standards for pulling back. They'realso expressing concern about the plight of Ukrainians as the war takes a mounting toll on civilians, with more than 2 million people having fled Ukraine since Russia's invasion of the country, according to the United Nations.
Complicatingcompanies' flight is an order from Moscow temporarily restrictingforeign investors from selling Russian assets. The Russian Economy Ministry has detailed new policies to take temporary control of exiting companies in which a foreign entity holds a greater than 25% stake, according to Bloomberg News. The proposals would allow for a court to freeze shares of foreign-owned companies in an attempt to safeguard property and workers, the news service reported.
"The Russian government is already working on measures that include bankruptcy and nationalization of the property" of foreign companies made to leave Russia, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said in a statement posted Thursday on the VKontakte social media site and cited by Bloomberg.
Here is a running list of companies that have scaled back or cut ties with Russia. This list will be updated regularly.
Fossil fuels
Western sanctions on Russia have largely excluded the energy sector, where Russia is a major player. The nation is the world's third-largest producer of oil and second-largest producer of natural gas. Even so, oiland gas companies, already feeling the heat from climateactivists toinvest in renewable energy, were among the companies thatannounced themost rapid and dramatic exits.
BP
Energyfirm BP, which calls itself Russia's largest foreign investor, said on February 27 that it would abandon its nearly 20% stake inRussian state-owned oil and gas company Rosneft. The move could cost it anywhere from $14 billion to $25 billion, according to Reuters.
Equinor
Norway's biggest energy company announced February 28 it would begin withdrawing from its joint ventures in Russia, valued at about $1.2 billion. "We are all deeply troubled by the invasion of Ukraine, which represents a terrible setback for the world," Anders Opedal, Equinor's president and CEO, said in a statement.
Exxon
ExxonMobil on March 2 said it would pull out of a key oil and gas project, Sakhalin-1, andhalt any newinvestments in Russia. The firm did not provide a timeline for its withdrawal from the project, which it operates on behalf of an international consortium.
"The process to discontinue operations will need to be carefullymanaged and closely coordinated with the co-venturers in order to ensureit is executed safely," the company said in its announcement, adding, "ExxonMobil supports the people of Ukraine as they seek to defendtheir freedom and determine their own future as a nation. We deploreRussia's military action that violates the territorial integrity ofUkraine and endangers its people."
Shell
Shell on February 28 said it was leaving its joint venture with state-owned Gazprom and ending itsinvolvement in the now-suspended Nord Stream 2 pipeline built to carrynatural gas to Western Europe. The move could cost the company roughly $3 billion in assets. On Tuesday, the energy giant said it would stop buying Russian oil and natural gas and shut down its service stations and other operations in Russia.
Cars and planes
Companies in the auto and aviation industries also signaled they're staying out of the Russian market, either out of concern for Ukraine or to comply with Western sanctions.
Airbus and Boeing
Airplanemakers Boeing and Airbus stopped supplying parts andservice supportfor Russian carriers. Boeing suspended major operationsin Moscow and hastemporarily closed its Kyiv office. Further, Boeing said it had suspended buying titanium from Russia.
Russian airlines have 62 planes on order with the two manufacturers, Reuters reported.
Caterpillar
The heavy-equipment maker said on March 9 it would halt Russian manufacturing, citing supply disruptions and the ongoing war.
"Operations in Russia have become increasingly challenging, includingsupply chain disruptions and sanctions, and we are suspending operationsin our Russian manufacturing facilities," the company said.
Caterpillar's manufacturing site outside Saint Petersburg has been in operation since 2000, according to its website. The company also has parts distribution and financial services locations in Moscow.
Daimler Truck
Germany's Daimler Truck has suspended deliveries of truck components to its Russian partner Kamaz. "We have decided to discontinue our business activities in Russia with immediate effect until further notice," it tweeted on February 28.
Ferrari
The luxury carmaker on March 8 said it would suspend the productions of vehicles for the Russian market until further notice. "Ferrari stands alongside everyone in Ukraine affected by this ongoing humanitarian crisis," stated CEO Benedetto Vigna.
Ford Motor Company
Ford also suspended operations in Russia and said itwould donate money for Ukrainian refugees. The company's business in Russia is quite limited, with Ford having a minority stake in a joint venture with PJSC Sollers, which focuses on commercial van manufacturing.
"Giventhe situation, we have today informed our JV partners that wearesuspending our operations in Russia, effective immediately, untilfurther notice," Ford said on March 1.
"Whilewe don't have significant operations in Ukraine, we do have astrongcontingent of Ukrainian nationals working at Ford around theworld andwe will continue to support them through this time," the company added.
Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidsonhalted motorcycleshipments to Russia, saying its thoughts "continuefor the safety ofthe people of Ukraine." Putin famously rode athree-wheeled Harley on avisit to Ukraine in 2010.
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benzsuspended exports of cars and vans to Russia and ceased its manufacturing there late on March 2. It will keep working with suppliers in Ukraine, who provide some components for its vehicles, MarketWatch reported.
Stellantis
The auto manufacturer whose brands include Peugeot and Citroen on March 10 said it was suspending all exports and imports to Russia. Stellantis owns a plant in Kaluga, Russia, in partnership with Mitsubishi, where it makes vans, according to Reuters.
Renault
Renault,one of the biggest players in Russia'sauto market, temporarily idled operations at its Moscow plant in early March due to supply and logistical issues. It's among companies with more entrenchedRussian operations that might find it harder to navigate the crisis.
Toyota
Toyotais halting production at its St. Petersburg plant that makes RAV4 andCamry models starting March 4 because of supply-chain disruptions, sayingit was watching events "with great concern for the safety of the peopleof Ukraine."
Volkswagen
The Volkswagen Group, whose auto brands include Audi, Ducati, Skoda and Porsche, on March 3 said it would stop production at two factories in Russia as well as halt exports to the country immediately. Affected Russian workers would receive paid leave from the company, VW said.
Volvo
Sweden's Volvo Cars said it stopped deliveries because of "potentialrisks associated with trading material with Russia," including Westernsanctions.
Consumer goods
Adidas
The German athletic-wear maker is suspending operations at stores and online in Russia, saying it stands with those calling for peace. The move follows a halt in Russian operations by rivals Nike and Puma.
Airbnb
The online housing service said late March 3 it had paused all operations in Russia and its close ally Belarus. Earlier this week, Airbnb also announced that its nonprofit arm would offer free shelter to up to 100,000 people who have fled Ukraine because of the invasion.
Budvar
Czechbrewer Budvar, which counts Russia as one of its five majormarkets,halted beer deliveries to the country, saying business is notthe toppriority and that it's looking for ways to help, includingfindingaccommodations for Ukrainian refugees.
Carlsberg
Copenhagen-basedDanish brewery group Carlsberg suspended production at two breweries inUkraine, saying it's "following the situation with great concern." The company didn't comment on its extensive Russian operations, including St.Petersburg-based Baltika Breweries, which exports beer worldwide.
Disney
Walt Disney on March 10 said it would pause all businesses in Russia, including content and product licensing, Disney cruises and National Geographic tours. Some businesses would stop immediately, while others would take time due to legal issues, the company said. Disney on February 28 said it would pause the release of its films in Russian theaters, including the upcoming "Turning Red" from Pixar. "We are working with our NGO partners to provide urgent aid and other humanitarian assistance to refugees," the entertainment giant stated.
Estée Lauder
The cosmetics company on March 7 said it was suspending commercial activity in Russia, including closing its stores and brand sites and shipments to its retailers. The move follows its suspension of business investments and initiatives in Russia last week.
H&M
The fast-fashion chain said on March 2 it would "temporarily pause all sales in Russia." All of its Ukraine stores have been closed for safety reasons, H&M said.
"H&M Group is deeply concerned about the tragicdevelopments in Ukraine and stand with all the people who are suffering," the company said in its statement.
Ikea
The Swedish furniture company said it was closing all of its Russian stores and pausing sourcing from Russia as well as Belarus, an ally of Russia.
"The war has both a huge human impact and is resulting in serious disruptions to supply chain and trading conditions, which is why the company groups have decided to temporarily pause Ikea operations in Russia," Ikea and Ingka Group said, according to Reuters.
Nike
Nike said it would temporarily shut down all its stores in Russia, a move that followed the sportswear company's making purchases on its website and app unavailable in the country.
Richemont
The Swiss luxury goods maker has closed down about a dozen stores in Russia.
Sony Interactive
Sony has "suspended all software and hardware shipments, the launch of Gran Turismo 7 and operations of the PlayStation Store in Russia," according to a statement tweeted by a CNBC reporter.
Swatch Group
The Swiss watchmaker has suspended retail operations in Russia, after halting exports to that nation in the first week of March, according to Bloomberg News.
TJX Cos
TJX, which owns U.S. chains Marshall's, TJ Maxx and Home Goods, plans to sell its 25% stake in Russian apparel retailer Familia. TJX does not have sales in Ukraine or Russia, it said in a regulatory filing. TJX's stake was worth $186 million before the Russian ruble's precipitous fall.
Uniqlo
Fast Retailing's apparel chain is temporarily curtailing operations in Russia, reversing course from a stance that had founder Tadashi Yanai calling clothes a "necessity of life." The Japanese company, which ran 50 Uniqlo stores in Russia, on March 10 issued a statement opposing "any acts of hostility" and "all forms of aggression."
Manufacturers
Deere & Co.
The manufacturer has halted shipments to Russia and Belarus as it considers the ongoing crisis, a spokesperson told Reuters. The equipment company has been in Russia since 1973, and has an office in St. Petersburg and a manufacturing and parts distribution facility south of Moscow.
General Electric
The company on March 7 said it was suspending operations in Russia, other than providing essential medical equipment and supporting existing power services.
Honeywell
The industrial conglomerate is suspending business in Russia and Belarus, Reuters reported on March 9.
Food and beverage
Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Starbucks
Coca-Cola, PepsiCo and Starbucks echoed McDonald's within hours, all suspending sales in Russia. Pepsi, however, said it would continue selling dairy products, infant formula and other essentials.
Little Caesars
The Detroit-based pizza chain is suspending all operations in Russia, which are franchised-owned, the Detroit News reported on March 9. Little Caesars opened its first three stores in Russia a little over a month ago, a spokesperson told the newspaper.
McDonald's
Facing boycott calls and a plea from a large investor, McDonald's on March 8 said it would temporarily shutter its 850 restaurants in Russia. Its CEO cited "needless human suffering unfolding in Ukraine," but stopped short of condemning the government in Moscow for its invasion.
Nestle
The world's biggest packaged foods group on March 9 said it had suspended all capital investment in Russia.
Papa John's
The pizza chain is suspending all corporate operations in Russia, where Papa John's restaurants are owned by independent franchisees, and a "master franchisee" who owns and controls all supplies and ingredients, Papa John's announced on March 9.
Unilever
The food and consumer goods giant has stopped business operations in Russia, suspending imports and exports of its products into and out of the country. "We will continue to supply our everyday essential food and hygiene products made in Russia to people in the country. We will keep this under close review," Unilever CEO Alan Jope stated.
Musicians, venues, promoters
AJR
The Indie pop trio canceled a show in Moscow scheduled for October and, in a tweet, thanked "Russian fans who oppose their country's unprovoked and criminal behavior."
Carnegie Hall
New York's famed music venue canceled performances by Russia's Mariinsky Orchestra featuring pianist Denis Matsuev and led by Russian star conductor Valery Gergiev, citing "recent world events."
Nick Cave
The musician and his band the Bad Seeds have "no choice but to cancel" shows in Russia and Ukraine, they said in a tweet.
Green Day
The rock group canceled an upcoming stadium concert in Moscow, saying in an Instagram story that they felt "confident there will be a time and a place for us to return in the future."
Health
The rock band said it would not be performing two scheduled concerts in Russia.
Live Nation
The live music company said it "will not promote shows, and we will not do business with Russia." The company is also reviewing its vendors so it can stop work with any Russian-based suppliers.
Metropolitan Opera
New York's famed opera house announced it would suspend relations with Putin-allied musicians and institutions, with its general manager expressing solidarity with Ukraine in a video statement on Facebook.
Louis Tomlinson
The musician and onetime member of One Direction canceled July dates in Moscow and Kyiv until further notice, saying his "thoughts go out to the people of Ukraine and all those suffering from this needless war."
Yungblud
The British artist added his name to the list of those who would no longer be performing in Russia this summer, tweeting that he was "heartbroken because I know the vicious and brutal acts of the Russian regime in Ukraine over the past week do not reflect the attitudes and ideals of the beautiful people who I have met in Russia in the past!"
Payment systems and accounting firms
Deloitte
The accounting firm on March 7 said it would separate its practice in Russia and Belarus from its global network of member firms, and no long operate in either country.
Discover
The bank has suspended transactions to all Russian banks and will not accept anything from Russia that runs on other payment brand networks. "Before Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Discover/Diners Club International was in the process of establishing a Russian branch office and registering it with the Central Bank of Russia as a foreign payment system operator. We have suspended all actions to pursue the registration in Russia at this time," Discover said in an emailed statement.
Goldman Sachs is exiting Russia, the first big U.S. bank to make the move. "Goldman Sachs is winding down its business in Russia in compliance with regulatory and licensing requirements," it said March 10 in an emailed statement. "We are focused on supporting our clients across the globe in managing or closing out pre-existing obligations in the market and ensuring the well-being of our people."
JPMorgan, the biggest U.S. bank, also said it would unwind its Russian businesses. "Current activities are limited, including helping global clients address and close out pre-existing obligations; managing their Russian-related risk; acting as a custodian to our clients; and taking care of our employees," it said in a March 10 statement to Reuters and other news services.
Moody's
The credit rating company on March 5 said it was suspending commercial operations in Russia, including Moody's Investors Service and Moody's Analytics operations. The former "will maintain analytical coverage for existing ratings from outside Russia," according to an emailed statement by the New York firm, which operates in more than 40 nations.
Pricewaterhouse Coopers
PwC Russia will leave the multinational's network as a result of the Russian government's invasion of Ukraine, with the company committed to "an orderly transition for the business, with a focus on the wellbeing of our 3,700 colleagues in PwC Russia," it stated.
Visa, Mastercard and American Express
Visa and Mastercard said March 6 that they were suspending their operations in Russia, days after blocking transactions for Russian banks targeted by U.S. and European sanctions. American Express followed suit on the same day.
Visa and Mastercard's suspensions were announced within 16 minutes of each other and followed a private video call earlier in the day between President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine and U.S. lawmakers. During that conversation, Zelensky "asked us to turn off MasterCard and Visa for Russia," Representative Brad Sherman, a Democrat from California, tweeted. "I agree," he added, before Mastercard and Visa made their announcements. American Express additionally said March 7 that they would also be terminating all business operations in Belarus.
Shippers
FedEx and UPSFedEx and UPS, two of the largest shipping companies in the world, have both stopped sending shipments to Russia. The shippers have also announced the suspension of both inbound and outbound package deliveries in Ukraine, citing a need to prioritize the safety of their employees there.
FedEx said in a statement on its website that the company is "temporarily suspending all Russian and Belarusian services until further notice."
Western Union
The money-transfer company on March 10 said it was suspending operations in Russia and Belarus, "in light of the ongoing tragic impact of Russia's prolonged assault on Ukraine."
Tech
Tech companies also headed for the door, aided by pressure and pleas from Ukrainian government officials.
Alphabet
Google has blocked Russian state media channels from its platforms, including YouTube and Google Play store, as well as paused YouTube ads in Russia. It also has suspended Google Pay for customers of sanctions-hit Russian banks, meaning customers of those banks won't be able to use the mobile payment system.
Apple
Applesaid it would stop selling its iPhone and other popular devices insideRussia. Apple doesn't have stores in the country but its products — sold through many third-party retailers — are popular there.
The company also suspended Apple Pay systems in Russia and removed Sputnik and RT — two government-backed news organizations — from the App Store outside of Russia. In Ukraine, Apple has limited data-sharing on Apple Maps.
CEO Tim Cook told employees that the company would match donations to some relief organizations two-to-one.
Dell
Dell Technologies has "suspended" sales in bothUkraine and Russia.
Fortinet
The cybersecurity provider said March 7 it had ceased operations in Russia, including sales, support and professional services. "We regret the impact this will have on our employees, partners and customers who are adversely impacted by the actions of the Russian government," Ken Xie, its founder and CEO, said in statement.
Juniper Networks
The network service provider is suspending sales, product delivers and support services to customers in Russia and Belarus until further notice, its CEO, Rami Rahim, stated in a post on his company's website.
Meta
The company formerly known as Facebook has blocked access to Russian state-controlled outlets across the European Union after it "received requests from a number of Governments and the EU," the company's policy head, Nick Clegg, said on February 28.
Netflix
Netflix said March 6 that "given the circumstances on the ground, we have decided to suspend our service in Russia."
Spotify
The audio streaming service and media services provider announced it was shutting down its office in Russia "indefinitely," but would continue to offer its music and podcast service in the country, albeit without content from Russian state-affiliated media.
Trimble
The technology company has stopped selling its products and services in Russia and Belarus, while strongly condemning the "unprovoked invasion of Ukraine by the Russian government, it stated.
TikTok
TikTok has blocked Russian state media channels from the platform, including RT and Sputnik. The popular video app owned by Chinese parent company ByteDance said it would be suspending livestreaming and the posting of new content in Russia.
"A smart business proposal"
For many companies, exiting Russia is as much about business as it is about morality.
"It'sreally tough to do business in Russia under the best of conditions.Nowit's become just crazy. So getting out is a smart businessproposal,"said James O'Rourke, professor of management at theUniversity of NotreDame's Mendoza College of Business, who specializesin reputationmanagement and business communications.
"Thisislike going into business with the Manson family," O'Rourke added,referring to the followers of cult leader Charles Manson. "You honestlydo not want your name associated with those people, and it's probablynot going to cost you that much to disinvest.
As the war's human cost grows, companies will have to respond not just to sanctions, but public sentiment, too.
Company commitments to environmental, social and corporate governance, knownasESG, are being put to the test. ESG has become a buzzy acronymthat'sincreasingly seen as an important way for corporations to tout responsible business credentials.
"Butthere can also be anelement of 'green washing,'" where companies saythings that make it seemlike they hold certain values or are on theright side of ESG issueswhile their practices and behavior suggestotherwise, Columbia BusinessSchool associate professor Vanessa Burbanosaid.
"Stakeholders like employees and consumers will want to see if companies' actionsandbehaviors are consistent with the communicated support thatcompaniesare expressing for Ukrainians," she said.
However, there's also the chance that the boycotts by American and European corporations, on top of broad sanctions by Western governments, could drive more anti-Western sentiment in Russia, Brian Grodsky, professor of political science at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, noted.
The Associated Press contributed reporting.
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