(MENAFN- UkrinForm) Over a thousand large companies left Russia after the outbreak of its full-scale war against Ukraine but some well-known brands did not, despite promises to leave the Russian market. cnn stated this, Ukrinform reports.
Yale University professor Jeffrey A. Sonnenfeld and his team investigated this issue, naming such well-known companies as the Dutch beer giant Heineken, the British company Unilever (Dove soap, Ben & Jerry's ice cream, Lipton tea, Cornetto ice cream), the American biscuit and chocolate manufacturer Mondelez (Oreo, Triscuit crackers, Nabisco snacks), Nestle (Kit Kat, Nescafe coffee, Purina), coworking giant WeWork, the American tobacco company Philip Morris, the American pizza chain Sbarro, and the American fast food chains Carl's Jr. and TGI Friday's.
Read also: mondelez, mars, pepsico had huge profits in russia last year - media The Yale study is based on testimonies from informants, experts on the ground, students working in Russia, corporate documents, and media reports.
"These companies are breaking their promises. They are functioning as wartime profiteers," Sonnenfeld told CNN. "It's beyond disappointing. It's shameful and unethical."
The professor, who testified before Congress, argued that by staying in Russia, such companies are violating the moral code and "self-immolating their own brands" at the same time.
"Consumers should realize that by supporting these companies, they're endorsing something that fuels Putin's war machine," he said.
According to Sonnenfeld, the purpose of corporate withdrawal from Russia is to increase pressure on the Putin regime. As an example, he pointed to the withdrawal of capital by major Western brands from South Africa in the late 1980s during apartheid.
Read also: mondelez faces boycott in scandinavia over presence in russia These companies should understand who is responsible for their misfortunes, the professor believes.
As reported, Ukraine's National Agency on Corruption Prevention has already included Procter & Gamble, OpenWay Group, Danieli, TMS Tankers Ltd., Minerva Marine Inc., Thenamaris Ships Management, Delta Tankers Ltd., Dynacom Tankers Management Ltd., Leroy Merlin, ComNav Technology Ltd., Mondi Group/Mondi PLC, eKassir, Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry, Bonduelle, and Auchan Holding in the list of international sponsors of Russia's war.