"We are horrified at the escalation of the humanitarian crisis."
Irish food company Kerry Group has announced that it will suspend operation in Russia and Belarus due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The organisation is responsible for a number of brands, including Dairygold, Cheestrings, and Denny.
"Kerry Group has continuously monitored the unfolding situation in Ukraine and we are horrified at the escalation of the humanitarian crisis," a
statement from the company read.
"Over the last number of weeks the Group has scaled back activities in Russia and Belarus.
"Following extensive ongoing consultation with stakeholders, the Group announces today that it is suspending its operations in Russia and Belarus.
"This suspension will be managed in an orderly manner, during which the company will continue to pay employees and fulfil our legal obligations," Kerry Group concluded.
The company has been operating in Russia since 2006, employing around 250 people between Russia and Belarus.
Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher called for the company to pull out of Russia and Belarus during an interview on
RTÉ Radio 1's This Week on Sunday (3 April).
Kelleher, who holds shares in Kerry Group, said he wrote to the Chief Executive of the company to request that they cease operations in the country.
"I highlighted the fact that while they continue to trade and have business in Russia, it does legitimise, in terms of Putin and the Russian regime and the fact that it is a large multinational company reinforces that," Kelleher said.
"I was quite clear that I feel that they should shutter or suspend their activities both in Russia and Belarus as well to ensure there is no contribution whatsoever directly or indirectly in terms of funds that may flow from any of the commercial activities to the Putin regime which could therefore fund the criminal war effort.
"It is a publically limited companies, it does have obligations, and I firmly believe that if they shuttered or suspended their operations in Moscow, I think that would send out a very strong signal and other companies have done it as well."
Kerry Group joins a growing list of companies that have suspended operations in Russia, including
Apple.
