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Amber Beverage offers support to Ukraine

Luxembourg-based Amber Beverage Group (ABG) has declared its support for Ukraine following the Russian invasion of the country last week. 

Amber Beverage Group
On 24 February, Russian president Vlandimir Putin announced an invasion of Ukraine

The Walsh Whiskey owner said it was ‘standing firm’ with the people of Ukraine after Russian troops invaded the nation last week.

Earlier this month, Russian president Vladimir Putin recognised two Ukrainian regions as independent states, and ordered Russian troops to occupy the space. The Russian troops continue to invade significant parts of Ukraine.

ABG has donated financial resources to the charity project Stand With Ukraine. It is also requesting the governments of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia consider ‘streamlining legislation’, so that ABG and other companies can offer jobs to Ukrainian refugees by easing the process of obtaining work permits and supporting temporary residences. 

Jekaterina Stuģe, chief executive officer at ABG, said: “With deep roots in the Baltic region, we could not silently observe what is happening from the side lines. Together with much of the world we are sharing sadness and deep concerns due to the escalating situation in Ukraine and we are looking for practical opportunities to help.

“Military action in Ukraine is unacceptable for us and we aim to offer support to the people affected. Apart from the donation, we will be looking for further opportunities to give aid to our near neighbours.”

ABG’s companies in the Baltic States are prepared to coordinate the provision of supplies for Ukrainians who had to flee their homeland, by working with organisations to help purchase or distribute necessary materials.

Stuģe added: “Today more than ever we want to emphasise that Amber Beverage Group is a Luxembourg-headquartered, global company and that our business and our core brands, like Moskovskaya Vodka, Riga Black Balsam, Rooster Rojo Tequila and others, are international brands, built on cultural heritage and produced in Latvia, Estonia, Ireland, or Mexico, mainly using production materials from European countries.

“In seven years, we have grown from a pan-Baltic spirits business into a leading producer, distributor, logistics service provider and retailer of beverages serving thousands of clients across the globe.”

The group has informed its 2,000 employees and partners of its support for Ukraine, with an action plan currently being developed for ABG. 

Stoli Group denounces Russian invasion

Vodka producer Stoli Group has also publicly condemned Russia’s military action in Ukraine, and released a statement of support for Ukrainian citizens. 

Damian McKinney, global CEO of Stoli Group, said: “The safety and security of our Ukrainian team is our top priority. We are monitoring the situation closely and are already moving swiftly and decisively to provide support where needed, both to our people on the ground as well as partners.

“While we do not have any operations in Russia, we do in Ukraine and across many of the boarding countries. We are inspired by the Russian people who have taken to the streets calling for an end to this attack on a sovereign nation.

“For decades, Stoli Group has supported the marginalised and those at risk of unwarranted aggression. We stand now with all Ukrainians and Russians calling for peace.”

According to Stoli, the brand and its owner, Yuri Shefler, were exiled from Russia nearly two decades ago.

“As the founder of SPI Group of companies, I have personally experienced persecution by the Russian authorities and I share the pain of Ukraine and its people,” said Shefler.

Ukrainian distillery Nemiroff has temporarily closed, with some employees joining the army as the nation defends itself against the Russian invasion.

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