Minister of Defence issues directive to end the sales of products in the ministry’s area of government that continue to be available in Russia

From: Kaitseministeerium <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, March 7, 2024 4:48 PM
To: Kaitseministeerium <[email protected]>
Subject: Minister of Defence issues directive to end the sales of products in the ministry's area of government that continue to be available in Russia

Goods from manufacturers who continue to operate in Russia and thereby contribute to the financing of the Russian war machine will be removed from sale outlets on the territory of the Estonian Defence Forces and other locations under the governance of the Ministry of Defence.

"Many Western businesses have shut down their operations in Russia, but there are still those who support the Russian economy and, by extension, its war machine," said Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur. "I realise that the directive to discontinue the sale of products from PepsiCo, Mars, Nestle and other large corporations within the area of government of the Ministry of Defence may cause some discomfort, but there are alternatives to many of these products, even from Estonian manufacturers, and the higher purpose outweighs the minor inconvenience. I trust that everyone understands why this matters - let's help Ukraine win."

The decision concerns manufacturers that the Ukrainian National Agency on Prevention of Corruption (NAPC) has included in its list of International War Sponsors. Ukraine uses the list published on https://sanctions.nazk.gov.ua/en to push foreign companies operating in Russia to end their business activities there, so that they would stop financing Russia's war in Ukraine.

Vending machines, cafés and other sales outlets within the area of governance of the Ministry of Defence will no longer carry products from the likes of PepsiCo, Mars, Nestle, Unilever and Mondelēz International. This includes chocolates, biscuits, crisps, ice creams, gums and soft drinks. The distribution of products from tobacco companies Philip Morris International and Japan Tobacco International (JTI) will also cease.

"We invite our partners to replace these products with equivalents where possible," said Kristo Raud, Strategic Category Manager for infrastructure and services at the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments.

Contracting partners of the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments are requested to remove the listed products from their product range within 60 days of receiving the notification.

Additional information: [email protected]