The CEO of Nestlé shows “no understanding”, the Prime Minister of Ukraine has said after he pleaded with the FMCG giant to stop all its business in Russia.
In a tweet, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said he spoke with Mark Schneider about Nestle’s continued operations in Russia, but revealed Schneider “shows no understanding”.
Shmyhal wrote: “Paying taxes to the budget of a terrorist country means killing defenceless children and mothers. Hope that Nestle will change its mind soon.”
Talked to @Nestle CEO Mr. Mark Schneider about the side effect of staying in Russian market. Unfortunately, he shows no understanding. Paying taxes to the budget of a terrorist country means killing defenseless children&mothers. Hope that Nestle will change its mind soon.
— Denys Shmyhal (@Denys_Shmyhal) March 17, 2022
The news comes as Russia has been hit with a raft of economical sanctions, aimed at in response to its invasion of Ukraine, this has resulted in many Western companies suspending their business in Russia.
Some of these brands include: Heineken, Lindt, Coca-Cola, Pepsi and Unilever.
Last week, Nestlé released a statement which read: “We are shocked and deeply saddened by the invasion of Ukraine.
“The war in Ukraine has brought heartbreaking, unimaginable human suffering. We stand with the international community in calling for peace and the rapid restoration of security and stability in the region.”
The statement added: “At this time, the safety and security of our people is our highest priority. We are in close daily contact with our employees and doing all we can to ensure their safety.
“We are also providing them with support in the form of emergency food packages, advance salary payments, and administrative assistance and psychological support to help employees and their families who have already left or wish to leave the country.”
READ MORE: Nestlé warns of potential prices rises
However, the FMCG giant added that as a food company and employer, “we recognise that we also have a responsibility toward our more than 7,000 employees in Russia — most of whom are locals”.
As a result it will continue to “ensure a reliable supply of safe and essential food products for the local people”.
The move has resulted in ‘#BoycottNestle’ to trend on Twitter, with many social media users expressing their anger over Nestlé’s decision to not completely stop trading in Russia.
One social media user said: “Nestle. Another one of Putin’s business partners. Ukrainian blood – how sweet does it taste Nestle?”
#Nestle. Another one of #Putin’s business partners. #Ukrainian blood – how sweet does it taste, @Nestle? #StandWithUkraine #boycottnestle #bloodnestle https://t.co/XC6g0g6iej
— olexander scherba🇺🇦 (@olex_scherba) March 17, 2022
Another added: “Ukrainian children die, cities are destroyed, but Nestle and Danone tastes of profit and blood!We urge everyone to boycott Nestle and Danone!!!”
Ukrainian children die,cities are destroyed,but Nestle and Danone tastes of profit and blood!We urge everyone to boycott Nestle and Danone!!!#boycottnestle pic.twitter.com/9aETGsuNvY
— Андрій (@Andrij_Shamraj) March 17, 2022
“With Easter coming soon, now would be a great time to boycott Nestle by making sure you don’t buy a single bit of its chocolate. Not one bunny, egg, or anything. Let’s #boycottnestle big time!,” a social media user said.
With Easter coming soon, now would be a great time to boycott @Nestle by making sure you don't buy a single bit of its chocolate. Not one bunny, egg, or anything.
Let's #boycottnestle big time! https://t.co/zRzLzJSZnt
— Tony Bell (@awb20774) March 17, 2022
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