“Metro Russia will continue to serve small and medium-sized independent hospitality and retail businesses that play a central role in society,” a Metro spokesman said on Wednesday. Metro also feels responsible for the more than 10,000 employees in Russia. “These people have no personal responsibility for the aggression against Ukraine.”
With a view to Russian activities, Metro is monitoring the ruble situation, supply chains and the possible effects of sanctions. Salaries and suppliers are paid by Metro Russia through established international banks that are not affected by the international sanctions.
Metro stands by the forces in business and politics that are working for a peaceful solution to the conflict, said the spokesman. The group is also “very concerned about the military activities in Ukraine”. The group is particularly concerned “for our 3,400 employees and their families as well as for our numerous customers, suppliers and business partners in Ukraine.”
Currently, 21 of the 26 stores in Ukraine are open. Metro is an important source of food supply for the people there.
In the past fiscal year 2020/21, Metro had sales of around 2.4 billion euros in Russia with 93 stores. The group procures most of its groceries there from local production. In the Ukraine, Metro recently had sales of around 800 million euros.
Source: Nachrichten
