Supermarkets across the UK are removing Russian vodka from it’s shelves to show support and stand in solidarity with Ukraine.
Co-op, Morrions, John Lewis, Waitrose, and Sainsbury’s are among the supermarkets removing Russian-made products, such as vodka, from their stores.
In a statement a spokesperson for Co-op said the decision to remove Russian-sourced stock, such as Russian Standard vodka, was a ‘sign of solidarity’ of the people in Ukraine currently under attack and invasion from Russia.
The statement said: “In response to the ongoing invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces and as a sign of solidarity with the people of Ukraine, we have taken the decision to remove from sale Russian-made vodka. It will not be stocked for the foreseeable future.”
They added: “Our members and customers will also be able to support the humanitarian response to help those displaced by the conflict by donating at our stores to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) appeal.
“Our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine, and those in Russia who oppose this invasion.”
The John Lewis Partnership also released a statement saying they were not only removing vodka from the shelves of their stores but a line of pizza ovens.
“The John Lewis Partnership is removing from sale products in Waitrose and John Lewis that are made in Russia,” their statement read.
“This means that, from today, we will no longer sell two products – one Russian Vodka in Waitrose and one line of pizza oven pellets in John Lewis.
“We’re working with our suppliers to review products that have components of Russian origin and will be seeking to mitigate further exposure to the region.”
Russian Standard vodka, which is distilled in St Petersburg, will also no longer appear on shelves at Morrisons or Sainsburys – the latter will also remove Karpayskiye black sunflower seeds from sale.
Supermarkets aren’t the only ones to take a stand, many clubs and pubs across the country, including JD Wetherspoons, have removed Russian beer and vodka from sale.
