Harsh words, tough action: How companies have rebuffed Russia

Corporate actions to censure Russia after its invasion of Ukraine vary widely and include some measures required by law and some voluntary, with comments ranging from harsh condemnations to more measured promises to review business in the country.

Here are some actions by large multi-national companies:

Leaving russia

Energy companies led by BP , Shell and Exxon Mobil (XOM.N) are promising to sell Russia stakes and exit the country. Austrian oil company OMV (OMVV.VI) is to pull back from Russia, saying it would take an anticipated 1.5-1.8 billion euro hit as it seeks to distance itself from the country.

Among many others, Accenture, with 2,300 employees in Russia, said it would discontinue business and Mercedes-Benz Group (MBGn.DE) said it plans to spin off its stake in Russia's Kamaz .

Halted services

Boeing (BA.N) has cut sales and support for aircraft, saying it was and would follow US sanctions. Washington's export rules were changed to clamp down particularly on technology that could be used by the military, affecting a broad swath of industry, such as PC maker Dell Technologies (DELL.N), which has stopped sales to Russia. Russia has banned Western airlines from Russian space.

US payments firms Visa Inc (V.N) and Mastercard Inc said they were suspending operations in Russia over the invasion of Ukraine, and that they would work with clients and partners to cease all transactions there.

United Parcel Service Inc (UPS.N) and FedEx Corp (FDX.N), two of the world's largest logistics companies, halted delivery service to Russia and Ukraine.

Travel booking software provider Sabre Corp (SABR.O) said it has terminated its distribution agreement with Aeroflot (AFLT.MM), hurting the Russian flag carrier's ability to sell tickets.

Closed and opened stores

Clothing retailer H&M (HMb.ST), car companies including GM (GM.N) and BMW , as well as spirits maker Diageo (DGE.L) and motorcycle maker Harley Davidson , are among global companies that are not selling. Most are not exporting goods to Russia, which would be difficult given decisions by shipping companies to drop Russian service. Nike and IKEA (IKEA.UL), a Swedish furniture retailer with a chain in Russia, are temporarily closing their stores.

Spanish fashion retailer Inditex , owner of the Zara brand, also said it had halted trading in Russia, closing its 502 shops and stopping online sales. Milan-based luxury group Prada (1913.F) has suspended its retail operations in Russia.

By contrast, restaurateurs Burger King (QSR.TO) and Papa John's underscored that the restaurants flying their flags in Russia were owned by local businesses. "We do not have plans to ask the independent franchisee who owns and operates Papa Johns stores in Russia to close their stores," the pizza maker said.