Nestlé defends Russia policy

The Swiss food giant Nestlé is defending its actions in Russia after the company was singled out by the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy for continuing to do business in the country, after so many other western brands had pulled out.

The president’s views were echoed by the prime minister, Denys Shmyhal, who says the company shows no understanding because paying taxes in a terrorist state means killing defenceless mothers and children. 

Nestlé says that although it is continuing to supply some important food items – such as baby food, cereals and specialist pet foods, it’s not continuing as normal. 

It says it has stopped all advertising in Russia, suspended all capital investment and exports out of Russia - with the exception of vital food to Commonwealth of Independent States countries.

It has stopped imports into Russia and has removed items like KitKats and Nesquik. 

The company points out it employs around 7,000 people in Russia and has publicly supported the people of Ukraine, where it’s still operating and delivering food - it has condemned the invasion. 

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