Campaigners are urging King Charles III to revoke the Royal Warrants of companies still operating in Russia, citing their indirect support for the Russian war effort against Ukraine. This includes major firms like Mondelez International, Nestle, and Unilever.
A coalition of campaigners, including the organization B4 Ukraine, has called on King Charles III to revoke the Royal Warrants of companies that continue to operate in Russia. This plea comes in response to concerns that these companies are indirectly supporting Russia’s ongoing military actions in Ukraine, contributing to the war effort and prolonging the conflict.
Background on the Royal Warrant
The Royal Warrant is a mark of recognition awarded by the British monarch to companies that have provided goods or services to the Royal Household for a period of at least five years. It serves as an endorsement of quality and reliability. However, the continued operations of some warrant-holding companies in Russia have sparked controversy amid the conflict in Ukraine.
Companies Under Scrutiny
According to B4Ukraine and other campaigners, 14 companies currently operating in Russia hold Royal Warrants. These companies include major multinational firms such as:
- Bacardi
- Mondelez International (owner of Cadbury)
- Nestle
- Unilever
- PepsiCo
- Heineken
- Colgate-Palmolive
- Procter & Gamble
- Danone
- Kellogg’s
- Diageo
- Mars Inc.
- Reckitt Benckiser
- Henkel
The Ukrainian government has designated these companies as “International Sponsors of War,” accusing them of supporting Russia’s economy and war efforts through their continued presence in the country.
Campaigners’ Arguments
Campaigners argue that the ongoing operations of these companies in Russia contribute to the war economy and thus, indirectly support Russia’s military actions. They assert that by maintaining their business operations in Russia, these companies are enabling the Russian government to fund its war against Ukraine. The campaigners point out that Sweden’s Royal Family has already discontinued its relationship with Marabou chocolate bars, a move made in response to Mondelez International’s designation as a war sponsor.
Calls for Action
The campaigners are urging the Royal Family to revoke the Royal Warrants from these companies to demonstrate solidarity with Ukraine and to align with the British government’s stance on supporting Ukraine. They emphasise that many other companies have exited the Russian market to avoid supporting the aggressor’s economy, and argue that the Royal Family should follow suit by disassociating from companies that remain operational in Russia.
Impact of the Conflict
The full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia has resulted in significant loss of life, widespread destruction, and a major humanitarian crisis. Over 130,000 war crimes have been reported, with more than 30,000 civilian casualties and millions displaced from their homes. The ongoing conflict has disrupted global economies and challenged international norms.
Royal Family’s Support for Ukraine
The Royal Family has been a vocal supporter of Ukraine since the beginning of the conflict. This includes public statements of support and engagement in humanitarian efforts. The campaigners’ call for revoking the Royal Warrants is framed as an extension of this support, urging the Royal Family to take a stand against companies contributing to the war effort.
The campaign to revoke the Royal Warrants from companies operating in Russia represents a significant move to align royal endorsements with ethical considerations amid ongoing global conflicts. By taking this step, the Royal Family would reinforce its commitment to human rights and international law, and signal a clear stance against corporate complicity in war crimes. The outcome of this campaign could set a precedent for how royal endorsements are managed in the context of global conflicts and humanitarian crises.
