“Despite Russian aggression against Ukraine, Nestlé continues to operate in Russia by supplying products to the population and developing its production in the country,” the Ukrainian Anti-Corruption Agency said.
The label of “war sponsor” is intended to damage companies’ reputations. It has no legal consequences. The list also includes companies such as Mondelez, PepsiCo and Unilever.
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, many Western companies have left the country. Others have stayed, earning them fierce criticism from Ukraine.
Nestlé says on its website that it “stands with the Ukrainian people and its 5,500 employees in the country.” As for Russia, Nestlé has stopped selling most of its products, such as KitKat, and importing and exporting non-essential products. Nestlé no longer invests in Russia and no longer advertises there. By maintaining a presence in the country, it does not violate sanctions.
According to its latest annual report, Nestlé has six factories in Russia. The country accounted for 2 percent of its turnover in 2021.