Stand with Ukraine: LvBS and UCU students draw the world’s attention to the war

3 Mar 2022

The whole world is now repelling the aggressor through the imposition of sanctions – the enemy of Ukraine must suffer significant losses. In 2022, blocking modern technology services is probably the best answer to tanks and missiles. So we need your support. UCU Business School and Ukrainian Catholic University students initiated a project to draw the world’s attention to the war in Ukraine.

UPD: As a result of the active dissemination of statements, tags of companies in social media, several global companies have already given an official response to the termination of cooperation with Russia:

McDonald’s (08.03.22) – to temporarily close restaurants & pause operations in Russia

Coca-cola and PepsiCo (08.03.22) – suspends production and sale of product in Russia.

Starbucks (08.03.22) – suspend all business activity in Russia, including shipment of all Starbucks products.

Amazon (08.03.22) – has suspended shipment of retail products to customers based in Russia and Belarus and will no longer provide customers with access to Prime Video in Russia. 

P&G (08.03.22) – cutting back product offering in Russia and ceasing all marketing and investment in the country.

Samsung Electronics (05.03.22) said on Saturday shipments to Russia have been suspended “due to current geopolitical developments”.

Inditex (05.03.22) – closes Russian stores and online platform.

Coursera (04.03.22) suspends all content from a Russian university and industry partners including courses, Specializations, and degrees, сontent from Russian partners will no longer be discoverable or available on Coursera’s platform for new enrollments.

Google (03.03.22) – suspends all ad sales in Russia as censorship demands grow.

Apple (02.03.22) – stopped selling its products in the official online store in Russia.

 

 

In particular, they appeal to companies like The Procter & Gamble Company, Amazon, McDonald’s, KFC, Nestle, Auchan, Xbox, PlayStation, Steam, Turkish Airlines, Google, Apple, Coursera, and many others. The active position of world companies to block their services in Russia will help us go even faster to victory.

A series of visuals from UCU Business School students calling for the end of cooperation with Russia:

 

A series of appeals from Ukrainian Catholic University students to the company’s leaders:

P&G:

UPD: Procter & Gamble said Monday it’s cutting back its product offering in Russia and ceasing all marketing and investment in the country

Jon R. Moeller

CEO, The Procter & Gamble Company

Dear Jon! 

The morning of February 24, 2022, for many Ukrainians started with a frightful noise of explosions and children’s screams, as the Russian Federation has launched a full-scale invasion into Ukraine – a sovereign democratic country in the heart of Europe. They call it a special military operation that aims to protect people who have been subjected to genocide’, however hundreds of killed Ukrainian civilians, including children, indicate the opposite.

Nevertheless, for the last 9 days, Ukrainians have heroically continued defending their freedom, as well as the freedom of the other countries, because it is no longer the question of war between the Russian Federation and Ukraine, it is the question of the future of the whole world. If you look at the latest news, you realize that atrocities committed by Russia in Ukraine should not take place in the civilized 21st century, so the entire world must dare to resist Russian aggression by stopping being just observers and imposing devastating sanctions against the Russian Federation. 

Therefore, we appeal to you with a request to show your solidarity with Ukraine and stop supplying P&G products to the Russian Federation. Your company states that you ‘believe in finding small but meaningful ways to improve lives – now and for generations to come.’ Now you have a chance to show that your position is true. You have a real chance to show that you care about the lives of thousands of people in Ukraine who are currently suffering because of Russia’s aggression. Please stop supporting terror, stop supplying P&G products to the Russian Federation. Such actions will help to resist Russian attacks by motivating millions of Russian civilians to act proactively and stop the Kremlin’s autocratic regime, which is not the first time to violate basic human rights. We are convinced that international companies, who have already taken steps and stopped doing business with the Russian Federation, will contribute to the bright future of the entire world in this way. 

Remember that remaining neutral and silent is one of the greatest enemies that allows Russian tyranny to thrive and Ukrainian blood to be shed. It is time to take action! 

Sincerely,  students of Ukrainian Catholic University

_________________________________________________________

McDonald’s:

Since the morning of February 24, 2022, Ukrainians have been introduced to new normality – waking up to the sound of war sirens, hiding in the bomb shelters, fleeing to places safer and more peaceful than their hometowns. They sleep on their bags and pray for this terrific full-scale invasion of Russia into Ukraine to come to an end. In no way is it possible to describe the state of our country right now: “peaceful operation” has already taken the lives of thousands of citizens, including children, our cities are being under bombardment, and our lives — under unceasing threat. 

We, Ukrainians, are united and consolidated in such hard times like never before. We are nothing but ready to defend our liberty, country, and nation to the very last breath. Hundreds of world-renowned brands have already exited the Russian market in support of Ukraine and as a protest against violence and tyranny in the 21st century. This war concerns not only the Ukrainian people: it’s about a choice, a choice of democracy over dictatorship, a choice of a bright future over blood and dehumanization. And now it’s time for you, McDonald’s, to make this choice.

Therefore, we appeal to you with a request to show your solidarity with Ukraine and close all your restaurants on the territory of the Russian Federation. Such actions will help to resist Russian attacks by motivating millions of Russian civilians to act proactively and stop the Kremlin’s autocratic regime, which is not the first time to violate fundamental human rights. Otherwise, you will be the one to fund Russian military actions in Ukraine, including thousands of murders of peaceful citizens. 

Remember that remaining neutral and silent is one of the greatest sins that allows Russian tyranny to thrive and Ukrainian blood to be shed. It is time to take action! 

Sincerely, 

Students of Ukrainian Catholic University who, instead of learning International Business in the classroom, learn it from war.

_________________________________________________________

Nestle:

TO : Mark Schneider Alessandro Zanelli, all executives and staff of Nestlé
SUBJECT : NESTLE MUST STOP FINANCING PUTIN’S WAR CRIMES #standwithukraine  #boycottrussia 

The world is witnessing a horrific, unjustified, and unprovoked attack by Russia on Ukraine. Hour by hour we see evidence of the terrible destruction and human suffering.

The Russian Federation has clearly moved into a new phase of this war, where residential areas and civilians are being targeted. Ukrainians sleep on their bags and pray for this terrific full-scale invasion of Russia into Ukraine to an end. No words can express the grief hovering over our crucified country: “peaceful operation” has already taken the lives of thousands of citizens, including children, our cities are being under constant bombardment, and our lives — under unceasing threat.

However, we Ukrainians are nothing but ready to defend our liberty, our country, and our nation to the very last breath. The whole world is supporting us in the battle because it is not a war between Russia and Ukraine: this is a war between Russia and the civilized world, and Ukraine has become a living shield to stop the tyranny and the insanity of one undignified country.

Every day, companies from the UK, US, and EU trade more than $700m with Russia. This includes your company, Nestle, making you complicit in financing the Russian state and limiting what the international community can do to fully isolate President Putin.

Therefore, we appeal to you with a request to show your solidarity with Ukraine and stop trading with and investing in all Russian state or private entities, and consider how your broader operations contribute to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Such actions will help to resist Russian attacks by motivating millions of Russian civilians to act and stop the Kremlin’s autocratic regime, which is not the first time to violate fundamental human rights. Hundreds of world-renowned companies have already exited the Russian market, closed the stores, and blocked the subscriptions, showing that they respect human dignity and international law.
Switzerland has already supported Ukraine with sanctions against Russia. So should you!

Failure to do so would make your institution in breach of even the most basic ESG standards. Even worse, it would make the leadership an accomplice to the current human rights violations in Ukraine.

Every one of us has a role to play in stopping this atrocious war. By working together Governments, corporations, non-profit organizations, and individuals can halt the human rights violations currently taking place across Ukraine.

We beg you not to stand aside and not wait for others to act.

Kind regards,
Students of Ukrainian Catholic University

_________________________________________________________

Google:
UPD: Google (03.03.22) – suspends all ad sales in Russia as censorship demands grow.

Dear Sundar!

The morning of February 24, 2022, for many Ukrainians started with a frightful noise of explosions and children’s screams, as the Russian Federation has launched a full-scale invasion into Ukraine – a sovereign democratic state in the heart of Europe. They call it ‘a special military operation that aims to protect people who have been subjected to genocide’, however hundreds of killed Ukrainian civilians, including children, indicate the opposite.

Nevertheless, Ukrainians continue defending their freedom, as well as the freedom of the other countries, because it is no longer the question of war between the Russian Federation and Ukraine, it is the question of the future of the whole world. We firmly believe that if Ukrainian civilians dared to stop a Russian tank with their bare hands, then the whole world will also dare to resist Russian aggression by stopping being just observers and imposing devastating sanctions against the Russian Federation.

Therefore, we appeal to you with a request to show your solidarity with Ukraine and stop supplying Google services and products to the Russian Federation, including blocking access to Google Pay. Such actions will help to resist Russian attack by motivating millions of Russian civilians to act proactively and stop the Kremlin’s autocratic regime, which is not the first time to violate basic human rights. We are convinced that Google, Inc. and other international companies, who have already taken steps and stopped doing business with the Russian Federation, will contribute to the bright future of the entire world in this way.

Remember that remaining neutral and silent is one of the greatest enemies that allows Russian tyranny to thrive and Ukrainian blood to be shed. It is time to take action!

Sincerely,

Students of Ukrainian Catholic University who instead of learning International Business in classroom learn it from the war

_________________________________________________________

Inditex:
UPD: Inditex (05.03.22) – closes Russian stores and online platform.

Óscar Pérez Marcote, CEO, Inditex Inc.

Dear Óscar!

The 24th of February, 2022, a lot of Ukrainians woke up from terrifying noise of explosions and  air raid sirens, that morning the Russian Federation started a full-scale invasion into Ukraine – a sovereign democratic country. They call it ‘a special military operation that aims to protect people who have been subjected to genocide’, however there was no genocide until Russian army entered the country –  hundreds of innocent Ukrainian civilians, including children, women and elderly people, were killed. They attack schools, kindergartens and hospitals, undermine blocks of flats and houses.

Nonetheless, Ukrainian Armed Forces along with volunteers and local residents continue defending their country, their sovereignty and freedom, as well as the freedom of many other countries, as it is no longer the question of war between the Russian Federation and Ukraine, but the question of the future for the whole world. We sincerely believe that if Ukrainian civilians dare to stop a Russian tanks with their bare hands, the whole world will also dare to resist Russian aggression by stopping being just observers and imposing devastating sanctions against the Russian Federation.

That is why, we appeal to you with a request to show your solidarity with Ukraine and stop supplying Zara products and services to the Russian Federation. Such actions will help to resist Russian attack by motivating millions of Russian civilians to act proactively and stop the Kremlin’s regime, which has already violated basic human rights numerous times. We are convinced that Inditex, Inc. and other companies around the world, will contribute to peace. Some of international companies have already taken steps and stopped doing business with the Russian Federation for what Ukrainians are extremely thankful.

Remember that remaining neutral and silent is the sign of support for Russian agressive regime and allows Russian tyranny spread around the world. It is high time to take action!

Best regards,
Students of Ukrainian Catholic University
_______________________________

Antonio Flórez, CEO, Inditex Inc.

Dear Antonio!

The 24th of February, 2022, a lot of Ukrainians woke up from terrifying noise of explosions and  air raid sirens, that morning the Russian Federation started a full-scale invasion into Ukraine – a sovereign democratic country. They call it ‘a special military operation that aims to protect people who have been subjected to genocide’, however there was no genocide until Russian army entered the country –  hundreds of innocent Ukrainian civilians, including children, women and elderly people, were killed. They attack schools, kindergartens and hospitals, undermine blocks of flats and houses.

Nonetheless, Ukrainian Armed Forces along with volunteers and local residents continue defending their country, their sovereignty and freedom, as well as the freedom of many other countries, as it is no longer the question of war between the Russian Federation and Ukraine, but the question of the future for the whole world. We sincerely believe that if Ukrainian civilians dare to stop a Russian tanks with their bare hands, the whole world will also dare to resist Russian aggression by stopping being just observers and imposing devastating sanctions against the Russian Federation.

That is why, we appeal to you with a request to show your solidarity with Ukraine and stop supplying Bershka products and services to the Russian Federation. Such actions will help to resist Russian attack by motivating millions of Russian civilians to act proactively and stop the Kremlin’s regime, which has already violated basic human rights numerous times. We are convinced that Inditex, Inc. and other companies around the world, will contribute to peace. Some of international companies have already taken steps and stopped doing business with the Russian Federation for what Ukrainians are extremely thankful.

Remember that remaining neutral and silent is the sign of support for Russian agressive regime and allows Russian tyranny spread around the world. It is high time to take action!

Best regards,

Students of Ukrainian Catholic University

_________________________________________________________

Coursera
UPD: Coursera (04.03.22) Jeff Maggioncalda, Coursera CEO: We are halting further business with Russian institutions across Coursera for Business, Coursera for Government, and Coursera for Campus. We are suspending all content from Russian university and industry partners including courses, Specializations, and degrees. Content from Russian partners will no longer be discoverable or available on Coursera’s platform for new enrollments.

Dear friends from Coursera, we, Ukrainian students from the Ukrainian Catholic University, as all Ukrainians, ask you for your help.

On February 24th our country was brutally attacked by Russia. Russian forces take the lives of innocent civilians every hour, destroy the infrastructure and force millions of people to desperately leave their homes. More than 2000 civilians have been killed by Russian forces and many children became orphans. According to UNICEF Russian aggression is a threat to 7,5 million children in Ukraine. All this horror is happening in the heart of Europe, near to the peaceful democratic world. An enormous number of war crimes have been committed by Russian terror and there will be much more if the world will not unite against the aggression. Ukraine will never be the same again but we need your help to be stronger in our fight against tyranny.

While you are reading this letter, this madness continues to rage.

We ask you, dear friends, to officially condemn Russian aggression and show support to our country. This is extremely important for us. We also ask you to share awareness using your giant base of students. As we know, you have many Russian students who do not know the truth because of strong censure. Please, share the truth with them.

Your company believes that education is the source of human progress, but we can’t learn sitting in a basement in fear of being hit by missiles. We can’t study when there is chaos and destruction. We can’t study when there are corpses at every turn. We can’t talk about any progress while the war is going on.

Education is meant to improve societies and serve humanity. This is the case now and all the instruments are in your hands.

We will appreciate your help.

Sincerely,

students of the Ukrainian Catholic University who want to attend classes again.

_________________________________________________________

Apple:
UPD: Apple (02.03.22) – Apple has stopped selling its products in the official online store in Russia.

«Dear Apple, Apple Developers, Tim Cook, Katherine Adams, Eddy Cue, Greg Joswiak, Deirdre O’Brien, Jeff Williams, and other esteemed leaders!

Ukrainian people are thankful for your efforts to support our country, the humanitarian aid your company is trying to provide. Ukrainians are under massive attacks from the Russian military, hundreds of people died including innocent people and children. Hundreds of thousands of people fled their homes and lost everything they had. Russian aggression is a war not just against Ukraine, but the entire democratic society, freedom, and moral values.

Therefore, we are calling you for action! You have to stop your sales in Russia! You need to stop your contribution to Russian markets as it consequently means your input in their financial provisions for the military. Every device sold directly transfers in bullets shot at innocent Ukrainian children. Today, business relations with Russia equals acceptance of Putin’s regime and war against Ukraine. 

The CEO, Mr. Tim Cook tweeted that he is «deeply concerned with the situation in Ukraine». The concerns must be expressed not just in words, but in actions. The humanitarian aid would be much more effective if there was no financial input in Putin’s regime 

 We truly believe that Apple has strong core values and would not cooperate with a country that endangers the entire democratic and free society.

Therefore, we count on your decisiveness and understanding of the importance of cut-off your business in Russia. On behalf of the Ukrainian people, families, children, and your customers – stop your input in Russian aggression and stand with Ukraine!»

From students who learn «International Business» through war, instead of learning in the classrooms.

_________________________________________________________

Samsung:
UPD: Samsung Electronics (05.03.22) said on Saturday shipments to Russia have been suspended “due to current geopolitical developments”.

To: Samsung executives and staff

This morning, the world woke up to the sound of the alarm clock. Since the morning of February 24, 2022, Ukrainians have woken up to the sound of war sirens. They sleep on their bags and pray for this terrific full-scale invasion of Russia into Ukraine to an end. No words can express the grief hovering over our crucified country: “peaceful operation” has already taken the lives of thousands of citizens, including children, our cities are being under constant bombardment, and our lives — under unceasing threat.

However, we – Ukrainians are nothing but ready to defend our liberty, our country, and our nation to the very last breath. The whole world is supporting us in the battle because it is not a war between Russia and Ukraine: this is a war between Russia and the civilized world, and Ukraine has become a living shield to stop the tyranny and the insanity of one undignified country.

Therefore, we appeal to you with a request to show your solidarity with Ukraine and stop supplying Samsung services and products to the Russian Federation, including closing official Samsung stores on the aggressor’s territory. Such actions will help to resist Russian attacks by motivating millions of Russian civilians to act proactively and stop the Kremlin’s autocratic regime, which is not the first time to violate fundamental human rights. Hundreds of world-renowned companies have already exited the Russian market, closed the stores, and blocked the subscriptions, showing that they respect human dignity and international law.

Remember that remaining neutral and silent is one of the greatest sins that allows Russian tyranny to thrive and Ukrainian blood to be shed. It is time to take action!

Sincerely,
Students of Ukrainian Catholic University who instead of learning International Business in the classroom learn it from war.

_________________________________________________________

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