![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/cornetto-maker-defends-decision-to-stay-in-russia/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/130288262_gettyimages-466765604.jpg&description=By Daniel Thomas Business reporter, BBC News 5 hours ago Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Unilever owns Cornetto ice cream among other famous food brands The maker of Dove soap and Cornetto ice cream has defended its decision to keep operating in Russia more than a year after the country invaded Ukraine. Unilever said that exiting was "not straightforward" as its operations would be taken over by the Russian state if it abandoned them. It comes after a campaign group estimated the firm is contributing £579m to the Russian economy annually. The Moral Rating Agency accused the firm of facilitating Russia's invasion. "Unilever must stop hiding behind its balance sheet and excuses to face the reality that selling an ice cream can allow Putin to pay for a bullet," said founder Mark Dixon. A host of Western companies from Apple to Levi's quit Russia in the wake of its illegal invasion of Ukraine last year, both for ethical reasons and because sanctions have made it difficult to operate in the country. However, some firms are still doing business there such as US consumer goods giant Procter & Gamble. P&G has said it has limited its activities in the country, while Pernod said it had to "ensure the economic viability" of its Russian operations. Unilever, which sells products in the UK such as Marmite and PG Tips, said it had stopped exports and imports to and from Russia and ceased advertising there. It also claims to be selling only "essential" products in the country, including everyday food and hygiene products. But the Moral Rating Agency (MRA) said that Unilever's production facilities in Russia continued to manufacture and sell most of its original goods in the country. It said its calculations accounted for the total amount Unilever paid into the Russian treasury annually, along with money spent on local suppliers, employees and for other costs such as rent and technology. "The MRA calculation starts with Unilever's admission in its 2022 Annual Report that){kind=link}
The maker of Dove soap and Cornetto ice cream has defended its decision to keep operating in Russia more than a year after the country invaded Ukraine.
Unilever said that exiting was “not straightforward” as its operations would be taken over by the Russian state if it abandoned them.
It comes after a campaign group estimated the firm is contributing £579m to the Russian economy annually.
The Moral Rating Agency accused the firm of facilitating Russia’s invasion.
“Unilever must stop hiding behind its balance sheet and excuses to face the reality that selling an ice cream can allow Putin to pay for a bullet,” said founder Mark Dixon.