CINCINNATI — One of the U.S.’s largest retailers and supermarket chains says its removing Russian-produced vodka in support of Ukraine.
In a tweet posted on Tuesday, Kroger said it has removed Russian-produced vodka from its shelves.
“As America’s grocer, we’re taking action to show our support and solidarity with Ukraine. Over the weekend, we removed Russian-produced vodka from our shelves.”
The company also said it will be sending food assistance to support refugees displaced by the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
“We are sending emergency food assistance to support refugees through a grant from The Kroger Co. Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation to the UN World Food Programme’s Ukraine Emergency Fund. We will match all gifts made by our associates and customers, up to $250,000.”
Kroger operates nearly 2,800 stores in at least 35 states.
>> Russian vodka removed from shelves in Kansas, Michigan
Several states are showing their support for Ukraine by halting the sale of Russian vodka. Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Vermont, West Virginia and Maine among the states that have done so. Some states, like Pennsylvania, also began divesting their Russia-related holdings on Monday.
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Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin launched an invasion of Ukraine after weeks of rising tension between the two countries. In response to the conflict, several nations have imposed sanctions on Russian officials, oligarchs and businesses.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.