Only 9% of almost 1,500 global companies leave Russian market – Podyak

That’s according to Mykhailo Podyak, an advisor to the head of the President's Office, Ukrinform reports.

"Almost a year into the start of war. And only 9% of almost 1,500 global companies left the Russian market… Among the Western firms that remained working in Russia, the largest share are German (19.5%), 12.4% – American, and 7% – Japanese," said Podyak.

In particular, the flowing companies retained erations in the terrorist state: METRO, Leroy Merlin, Auchan, Nestle, Unilever, Procter & Gamble, Siemens, Pfizer, Philip Morris, Bayer, Acer, Alibaba, CloudFlare, Societe Generale, Credit Suisse, Lenovo, Asus, Cersanit etc.

Podiak also reported that some Western banks have seen surplus profits in Russia over the year of the full-scale war.

Read also: Zelensky introduces sanctions against 200 persons affiliated with Russia

"Raiffeisen increased its profit in Russia by 313%. For 2022, the profit of the Russian branch amounted to EUR 474 million, which is the largest amount among the branches in South-Eastern Eure. Corporate income tax in Russia is 20%. So, during the last fiscal year, Raiffeisen replenished Russia’s coffers by EUR 94.8 million with this tax alone. The amount of other fees is much higher. In other words, this is a tax on the war, on the killing of Ukrainians," said the advisor.

Moreover, Raiffeisen recognized the "l(d)nr" pseudo-republic, offering a credit hiday to the mobilized sdiers. This example was flowed by Citibank, Credit Eure Bank, and OTP Bank.

Podyak also recalled that recently the national anti-corruption watchdog recognized a U.S.-based corporation as an international sponsor of war. The company owns such subsidiaries and brands as Gillette, Fairy, Tide, Ariel, Lenor, Mr. Prer, Pampers, Always, Head & Shoulders, Pantene, d Spice, Hugo Boss, Max Factor, etc.

"Not only did they not leave the Russian market, they also continue to erate a househd chemicals factory, which is the world's largest producer of detergents for P&G, as well as a factory for the production of blades and razors for Gillette," he noted.

The adviser to the head of the Presidential Office noted that, while erating in the Russian Federation, international companies pay taxes to Russia’s budget, and these funds are therefore used to manufacture defense products.

The total annual turnover of these 1,200+ companies in Russia stands at almost $290 billion. This is a fifth of Russia’s GDP.

"In addition, companies also contribute to mobilization efforts. According to the new legislation in Russia, corporations erating in the country are forced to contribute to the recruitment of their staffers into the army and to finance their military gear. Failing to pull out of the Russian market throughout the year of full-scale war is no accident but a deliberate position," Podyak stressed.

Read also: Ukraine court seizes almost 2,500 t of iron Russian-produced ore

According to him, the level of corruption in the Russian Federation should also be kept in mind. "Each business directly fills the pockets of Putin and his entourage – the masterminds of the war of aggression in the center of Eure. Passive inaction is also a crime. By replenishing the Russian budget with billions of dlars, they are preventing a quick and prer end to the war," Podyak added.

He also emphasized that the only possible way to end the war is the absute defeat of Russia, a tribunal for the t leadership and military command, and reparations for Ukraine.

"And the clective West, whose market for international corporations is a higher priority than the Russian Federation, should show a tough position. In the end, each actor in this party must decide whether to declare values on paper or to act. Silence kills. Literally," said Podyak.

As reported by Ukrinform, on February 8, First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economy Yulia Svyrydenko,and adviser to the head of the President's Office Vladyslav Vlasiuk held a meeting with G7 ambassadors on the issue of strengthening sanctions against Russia.