Heineken, Adidas, Tesco, KFC and Asda become latest to join the list of Western firms cutting ties with Russia over invasion of Ukraine

Heineken, Adidas, Tesco, KFC have joined the growing list of companies to suspend operations in Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. 

The Dutch brewing giant announced its decisions in a statement, as Vladimir Putin’s barbaric assault entered its 14th day.  

More than 100 firms have now abandoned Russia or announced plans to do so, including Adidas, Tesco, Asda, Zara owner Inditex, Estee Lauder, Spotify, Ikea, Disney and H&M. 

In a statement released Wednesday March 9, Heineken vowed to immediately stop the production, advertising and sale of its beer in the country.

CEO Dolf van den Brink said: ‘We are shocked and saddened to watch the tragedy in Ukraine unfold.

‘We stand with the Ukrainian people and our hearts go out to all those affected.

‘The Russian Government’s war against Ukraine is an unprovoked and completely unjustified attack.’    

The company, which also owns Amstel and Birra Moretti, said it is now assessing strategic options for the future of its business in Russia, where it’s operated for two decades, adding that it will try to find ways to support its employees in the country.    

Meanwhile, Mothercare, a British babywear retailer announced that all its business in Russia has been suspended as of today, which it said would see its global sales drop by up to 25 percent. 

Another clothing giant, the German-owned Adidas, announced on Tuesday that it would be closing its Russian stores, but continue to pay its employees – following in the footsteps of rivals Nike and Puma. 

‘As a company, we strongly condemn any form of violence and stand in solidarity with those calling for peace,’ an Adidas spokeswoman said. 

Uniqlo, however, has ruled out suspending its operations in Russia following Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. 

The Japanese company, owned by Fast Retailing, has defended its decision, saying clothing is a ‘necessity’.