You have good taste
It is a sign of good taste to not want to look like Putin, eat what he eats, or anything related to supporting the Russian war efforts.
This war will end quicker the faster Putin runs out of money.
You can buy from other companies like Haribo, KiK, C&A, H&M, etc.
Not buying from companies that are still active in Russia helps that goal.
Financial Support to the Russian State
- Tax Revenue: The most direct link is through taxes. Companies operating in Russia pay various taxes (corporate, payroll, VAT) to the Russian federal and local governments. These tax revenues contribute to the state budget, which in turn finances the war effort against Ukraine.
- Economic Stability: By maintaining operations, international companies help stabilize the Russian economy, which mitigates the impact of international sanctions and weakens the overall economic pressure intended to compel a change in policy. They provide jobs and goods, helping to project an image of normalcy and economic resilience.
Moral and Ethical Complicity
- Normalizing the Situation: A company’s presence lends legitimacy and an air of business-as-usual to the country, despite the ongoing war and alleged war crimes. Continued operation is seen by critics as prioritizing profit over human rights and international morality.
- Human Rights Concerns: Businesses have a responsibility to ensure they do not contribute to human rights harms. By operating under the current regime, companies are tacitly supporting a state accused of grave violations of international law. Some products from certain retail companies have been knowingly supplied to the Russian army even.
On December 6th, we invite you to stand in front of a NewYorker store of your choice and hand out the following flyers. Find friends and fellow activists, and for the adventurous: order some decorations 🙂
– Tank, airplane, spray chalk
