British American Tobacco (BAT) will continue its operations in Russia, the company said in a statement.

A BAT spokesperson said: “We are deeply concerned about the conflict in Ukraine. The safety and wellbeing of our people there and across the region is our first priority. We have full local establishments of 1,000 people in Ukraine and 2,500 in Russia. Our thoughts are with them all at this incredibly difficult time.
“In Ukraine, we have suspended all business and manufacturing operations and are providing all the support and assistance we can to our colleagues, including relocation and temporary accommodation. Our businesses bordering Ukraine are providing assistance to the humanitarian relief effort.
“In Russia, we have a full establishment of our people right across the country, including substantial local manufacturing. Our business in Russia continues to operate. As a key principle we have a duty of care to all our employees at this extremely complicated and uncertain time for them and their families.
“We have suspended all planned capital investment into Russia and will focus on our portfolio of locally produced tobacco products – including our heated tobacco products.
“Furthermore, we are scaling our business activities appropriate to the current situation, including rationalising our marketing activities.
“This fast-moving and complex situation demands us to constantly assess a wide range of factors and considerations.
“We are complying, and will continue to comply with, all international sanctions related to this conflict in full.”
BAT Ukraine was established in 1993. The head office in Kyiv and a manufacturing facility in Pryluky employ more than 1,000 people. BAT Russia was established in 1991. The head office in Moscow together with 75 regional offices and manufacturing facility in St. Petersburg employ around 2,500 people.