Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine started, a growing number of companies have stopped operating in Russia. Yet most of the corporate world remains silent. In response to this issue, Progressive Shopper, The Good Lobby, and KSE Institute/LeaveRussia, and  have established the Ukraine Corporate Index.

This Index regularly tracks corporations’ stance vis-à-vis Russia in the aftermath of its invasion of Ukraine. It intends to inform investors, customers, and citizens about whether and how their companies and brands are positioning themselves in the ongoing conflict. Its aim is to lead these stakeholders to re-assess their investment and shopping decisions by praising responsible corporations while shaming irresponsible ones. Sign our petition to urge companies to stop supporting Putin’s regime!

The aggression against Ukraine and the brutal actions of the Russian army, including crimes against civilians, urged many international companies and global brands decided to stop their activities in Russia. Economic sanctions imposed on Russia by governments of many countries as well as the withdrawal of private companies from the Russian market are setting the Russian economy under pressure and may help stop the unleashed war against Ukraine.

This effort is part of Business for Ukraine (B4Ukraine), a coalition of Ukrainian and international civil society groups united by a common purpose: to block access to the economic and financial resources enabling Russian aggression, which is an attack on the rules-based international order itself.

Methodology

We identify and score major multinational companies operating in the Russian market. We consider the following factors and evaluate company’s actions taken vis-à-vis Russia into three different categories:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the goal of the Ukraine Corporate Index?
   Expose the role of the private sector in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.  We believe that the fastest way to end the war is to stop trading with Russia, divest Russian assets and refuse to finance Putin’s regime
   
   The Ukraine Corporate Index tracks corporations’ stance vis-à-vis Russia in the aftermath of its invasion of Ukraine. It intends to inform investors, customers, and citizens about whether and how their companies / brands are positioning themselves in the ongoing conflict. Its aim is to lead these stakeholders to re-assess their investment and shopping decisions by boosting responsible corporations while shaming irresponsible ones.
   
   
2. What about companies that operate in the humanitarian space?
   We believe, and some companies in this scenario have already shown, that there is a strategic way to ensure aid to those most in need while refusing to be complacent or complicit with Putin’s regime:
   
   – Publicly state that the company will stop pursuing new business opportunities (i.e. Conformis)
   
   – Stop all media and advertising spend there (i.e. Unilever)
   
   – Denounce the Russian invasion of Ukraine which is dramatically escalating the precise humanitarian demands that the company is claiming to address (i.e. Siemens)
   
   – Provide support beyond the company’s staff and their families to the larger humanitarian demands of the Ukrainian people.
   
   – Continue to supply its essential humanitarian products made in Russia to people in the country, but would not take any profit from its Russian presence (i.e. Unilever)
   
   
3. What does it take to shift from Yellow to Green?
   A public statement on the company’s website describing one of the following market decisions, suspension of sales, imports, production, and operations as well as suspension of collaborations and de-investment.
   
   
4. How often is the Index updated?
   The index is constantly updated with the latest information about the private sector’s response to the Russian invasion. If you have any question, suggestion or contribution, please reach out to info@thegoodlobby.eu
   
   
5. How to know the date of suspension / withdrawal or any other given company’s decision?
   It can be inferred from the date of publication of the source indicated, be it media or company’s statement.
   
   
6. To what extent the Index takes into account different market structures within and across industries?
   While we acknowledge that leaving the country is easier for some companies than others, it is ultimately up to each of them to determine whether and how to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine through their market and non-market behavior. As such, it deliberately does not factor in different market structures, but focuses exclusively on the companies’ efforts at limiting their presence on the Russian market.
   
   
7. Are there any other groups working on this topic?
   Yes. Refer to the Yale Chief Executive Leadership Institute and JUST Capital.
   

Other ways to help

Curious about other ways to take action? Here’s a list of of organizations directly aiding Ukrainians that you can support.

Press

For media inquiries please contact: Maria Luís Fernandes (maria_luis@thegoodlobby.eu)