Share

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vivamus convallis sem tellus, vitae egestas felis vestibule ut.

Error message details.

Reuse Permissions

Request permission to republish or redistribute SHRM content and materials.

Companies Suspend or Halt Business in Russia


The Kremlin and Moscow skyline at dusk.


​Oil companies, technology corporations and manufacturers have announced they are suspending or halting operations in Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. We've gathered articles on the news from SHRM Online and other media outlets.

BP and Shell Exit Russia

BP and Shell in late February announced they were exiting the Russian state-controlled oil company and a Russian natural gas giant respectively. "We are shocked by the loss of life in Ukraine, which we deplore, resulting from a senseless act of military aggression," Ben van Beurden, Shell's chief executive, said in a statement. Shell is Europe's largest oil company.

(The New York Times)

Exxon Mobil Also Announces Departure

Exxon Mobil on March 1 announced it would end Russia oil and gas operations valued at more than $4 billion and halt new investment due to the invasion. The company did not provide a timetable for its exit, nor comment on potential asset write-downs. Earlier, Exxon Mobil began removing U.S. employees from Russia. The number of staff being evacuated was unclear, though the company reportedly sent a plane to Sakhalin Island to retrieve employees.

(Reuters)

Apple Halts Sales in Russia

Apple stopped sales from its website in Russia. The move followed a plea from Ukraine's Vice Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who wrote to Apple CEO Tim Cook asking the company to stop device sales and to block app store access in Russia.

(Macrumors.com)

Other Companies Retreat from Russia

Others retreating from Russia include Dell Technologies, Ford and Ericsson. The world's biggest container ship operators—A.P. Moller-Maersk A/S and Mediterranean Shipping Co.—said they would temporarily suspend services to Russian ports, although they would continue moving food to and from Russia.

(The Wall Street Journal)

Supply Problems

Volkswagen, BMW and Porsche said they would have to curtail production at some factories, as Ukraine produces crucial electronic components. Volkswagen is Europe's largest carmaker. Porsche is part of the Volkswagen Group. Motor vehicles are Germany's biggest export.

Mercedes-Benz did not announce any shutdowns. "It is too early to assess the full extent of this escalation and its implications on our business," the company said in a statement. However, the company subsequently announced it was halting exports to Russia.

(The New York Times) and (The Wall Street Journal)

How can you help?
The International Committee of the Red Cross remains active in Ukraine, saving and protecting the lives of victims of armed conflict and violence. Its neutral and impartial humanitarian action supports the most vulnerable people, and your donation will make a huge difference to families in need right now. Donate here.

Advertisement

​An organization run by AI is not a futuristic concept. Such technology is already a part of many workplaces and will continue to shape the labor market and HR. Here's how employers and employees can successfully manage generative AI and other AI-powered systems.

Advertisement