Zelensky launches a harsh criticism of Nestlé for its relationship with Russia

In an address to the Swiss people over the weekend, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky commented: “’Good food. Good Life’. This is Nestle’s motto. Your company that refuses to leave Russia”.

In information published by CNN it was revealed that the president criticized the position of the Swiss multinational and recalled that: “Even now, when there are threats from Russia to other European countries. Not just us. When there is even a nuclear blackmail by Russia“.

Zelensky has asked for the support of the whole world to face the Russian invasion and has received a response from several countries and from many companies that have stopped their business as a sign of disapproval of the warlike position of the country governed by Vladimir Putin.

Hundreds of companies have stopped their activities but some have not, including Nestléthe world’s largest food and beverage company and maker of Gerber, KitKat and Dreyer’s ice cream.

The company has defended itself by pointing out that it has made sweeping changes since Russia invaded Ukraine, most notably by significantly reducing its activities in the invading country: “We have stopped all imports and exports from Russia, except essential products”said a Nestle spokesman. “We no longer make investments or advertise our products. We do not derive benefits from our remaining activities.”

Not only the Ukrainian president is upset, the prime minister, Denys Shmyhal, also criticized the CEO of Nestlé, Mark Schneider: “Unfortunately he does not show any understanding”the official wrote on Twitter after explaining that he had spoken with the CEO of Nestlé.

Shmyhal raised the tone of his annoyance and commented: “Paying taxes to the budget of a terrorist country means killing defenseless children and mothers. I hope Nestlé changes its mind soon.”

The company announced on March 11 that it was suspending exports of its products from Russia, except for essential items such as baby food, grains, tailored nutrition and therapeutic pet food.

Nestle has said it is “shocked and deeply saddened by the invasion of Ukraine” and that it joins the international community in calling for peace and the restoration of security and stability.

“The fact that, like other food companies, we supply the population with important food does not mean that we simply continue as before,” Nestlé said.

Nestlé employs more than 7,000 workers in Russiamost of whom are local.

You may also like:
– Papa John’s under fire for refusing to close 190 locations in Russia
– 5 curious facts about Vladimir Putin’s finances
– The United States offers a $5 million reward for information on yachts, mansions and other assets of Russian oligarchs