Russian citizens will have to find alternatives. Many multinationals have announced in recent days their intention to leave the Russian market because of the war in Ukraine. This concerns all sectors, ranging from IT and telephony to furniture and clothing.
Ikea, for example, has seen its Russian customers come running in recent days, while its departure is recorded. “We didn’t find what we were looking for. There is nothing left “even testifies a resident. “I have my own manicure office, I need tables and countertops. It is unavoidable. My heart is torn with sorrow”, says another. 17 stores will be closed in Russia and Belarus, 3 production sites, too, which will affect no less than 15,000 employees.
But others are following suit. Microsoft, Samsung, Apple, Coca-Cola or even Ford and Renault have decided to suspend their activities in the country during the war. Samsung, for example, represents 30% of the telephony market in Russia. “It’s very bad for us. How to buy an emergency phone? It will be a problem very quickly”worries another Russian resident.
These departures are also the consequence of Western economic sanctions, which are a response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which began on February 24.
