In a world where corporate ethics are under the spotlight, Mondelez International, the parent company behind beloved brands like Milka, Oreo, and Ritz Crackers, is facing a storm of criticism for its ongoing business operations in Russia. As Moscow’s brutal war in Ukraine grinds on, the continued presence of Mondelez in Russia is increasingly seen as a moral betrayal, and the outcry from consumers and investors is growing louder.
Profiting Amid War: A Grim Reality
The backlash stems from the uncomfortable truth that, while Russia wages war against Ukraine, multinational corporations like Mondelez are still contributing to Russia’s war machine. By paying taxes in Russia, companies like Mondelez are feeding into a militarized economy, with funds potentially aiding the very conflict that has led to the displacement and death of thousands of Ukrainians. But it doesn’t stop there. Under Russian law, businesses must also facilitate the conscription of employees, some of whom could be sent to fight in a war marked by egregious human rights abuses and war crimes.
A recent survey by PissedConsumer revealed a staggering disconnect between consumers and the corporation. Nearly 90% of respondents were unaware that Mondelez remains active in Russia. More telling, over 77% of them said they would stop purchasing Mondelez products after learning of the company’s involvement, a revelation that highlights the growing demand for corporate accountability in conflict zones.
The Growing Call for Accountability
Mondelez’s decision to maintain operations in Russia directly contradicts its carefully cultivated image as a socially responsible company. With slogans like “snacking made right,” the American snack giant has long prided itself on aligning with ethical values. However, its continued profit-making in a country actively engaged in war crimes presents a stark contrast to this façade.
Public opinion is turning fast. The survey shows that 71% of respondents believe Mondelez should immediately cease operations in Russia until the invasion of Ukraine ends. The pressure for businesses to act in accordance with global moral standards is intensifying, and Mondelez risks being left on the wrong side of history.
A Troubling Statement from the CEO
What has particularly fueled the outrage is the tone-deaf response from Mondelez leadership. Earlier this year, CEO Dirk van de Put made an alarming statement, claiming that investors “do not morally care” about the company’s ongoing business in Russia. His comments sparked outrage among socially conscious investors and consumers alike, igniting debates about corporate responsibility in war-torn regions. Investors have warned that continuing business in Russia not only undermines the company’s ethical standing but also poses serious financial risks, as seen in the recent expropriation of assets from foreign firms like Carlsberg and Danone by the Kremlin.
But more than the financial risks, it is the potential complicity in Russia’s growing list of war crimes that should concern Mondelez’s leadership. Every day the company stays in Russia, it risks being seen as an enabler of Moscow’s atrocities in Ukraine, further tarnishing its reputation and endangering its standing with consumers worldwide.
Hypocrisy on Full Display: Mondelez’s “Purpose Day”
Adding fuel to the fire is the company’s upcoming “Purpose Day” on October 1, meant to celebrate Mondelez’s values and mission. The irony of such an event is not lost on its critics. How can a company celebrate its ethical commitment while continuing to operate in a country ruled by war criminals, responsible for orchestrating a devastating conflict that has caused unspeakable suffering?
Mondelez’s employees, particularly those in Central and Eastern Europe, are reportedly voicing their frustration. An internal petition signed by over 1,300 employees globally has urged the leadership to reconsider its position in Russia. The petition calls on the company to “do what’s right” and live up to the values it claims to uphold. For Mondelez, this is a crucial test of its integrity. Will it choose the morally responsible path, or will it remain complicit in Russia’s crimes for the sake of profit?
The Clock is Ticking: A Call for Action
As Ukraine approaches 1,000 days since the full-scale invasion, the spotlight on companies like Mondelez is growing more intense. Public sentiment is shifting rapidly, and consumers are no longer willing to turn a blind eye to corporate complicity in war crimes. If Mondelez does not take decisive action soon, it risks not only financial losses but also the permanent erosion of its brand’s reputation.
The message is clear: corporations can no longer hide behind neutrality when it comes to matters of war and human rights. Consumers are demanding accountability, and Mondelez must decide whether it wants to stand on the right side
