Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine calls for boycott of global firms that stay open in Russia

Lviv (Ukraine), March 14: Amid escalating combat, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba on Monday called for a global boycott of international companies that have kept their operations open in Russia. He also said that sanctions pressure should be increased on Russia. Kuleba also called on international ports to prohibit passage to Russian ships and cargo during a briefing on the Russia-Ukraine war. "International businesses must leave Russia, both for moral and practical reasons," Ukrainian Foreign Minister added. On February 24, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine after the Donetsk and Luhansk people's republics requested help in defending themselves. The Russian Defense Ministry said the special operation is targeting Ukrainian military infrastructure only and the civilian population is not in danger. The West however denies these claims by the Russians and in response, Western nations have imposed comprehensive sanctions on Moscow. In addition, they introduced sanctions on Belarus for supporting Russia's operation in Ukraine. Also Read | Russia-Ukraine war: UK to offer 'support' for probe on 'Russian war crimes' Many companies and global brands have halted their operations in Russia after it started the invasion of Ukraine. Global streaming entertainment service like Netflix and instant messaging app Snapchat have suspended their operations in Russia, while Apple and Microsoft halted business in Russia. Alphabet Inc's Google has blocked the Russian news outlets RT and Sputnik and Meta has blocked the Russian state media houses. Samsung Electronics has suspended its shipments to Russia and automobile companies like Mercedes-Benz, Ford and General Motors have discontinued their operations in the country. American company PVH, which operates Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger, and Nike, H&M and Ikea also suspended operations in Russia. Also Read | Russia-Ukraine war: Can China mediate peace between Russia, Ukraine? -PTC News