All heads of companies from list of war sponsors invited to see horrors of war in Ukraine

The National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP) has sent letters to the heads of international companies from the list of war sponsors inviting them to visit Ukraine and see the consequences of Russian aggression with their own eyes, reported the press service of the NACP.

The agency also suggested discussing their companies' withdrawal from Russia with the managers.

"We want to clearly show international businesses where and for what the taxes it pays to the terrorist state go. That is why we invite the management of companies from the list of war sponsors to Ukraine. We are ready to demonstrate the horror that Russia has brought to our land and continues to do so," commented Oleksandr Novikov, head of the NACP.

The appeal also states that the agency is open to dialogue regarding the strategies of companies on the list for their withdrawal from Russia. The NACP hopes to hear public statements by companies condemning Russian aggression against Ukraine, to see corporate decisions regarding business activity in Russia (for example, reduction of activities or exit from the market).

NACP notes that their invitation letter initiative fully complies with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, which responsible companies must follow.

According to Principle 18, in order to assess human rights risks, companies should engage in meaningful consultations with potentially affected groups and other relevant stakeholders.

As of mid-August, 33 companies from 14 countries are listed in the list of sponsors of war.

On June 23, 2023, the NACP added the Chinese Geely to the list of international sponsors of war due to the fact that the company continues to pay taxes to the Russian budget and, accordingly, sponsors the war against Ukraine.

On August 7, five tanker companies from Greece were returned to the list.

On August 10, Ukraine recognized the Bacardi alcohol company as a sponsor of war.