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Ikea has announced its company groups, Inter Ikea Group and Ingka Group, have decided to temporarily pause Ikea operations in Russia.
This means that Inter Ikea Group will pause all export and import in and out of Russia and Belarus, and Ikea Industry production operations will be paused in Russia, meaning all deliveries from every sub-suppliers to these units are also paused.
Despite all Ikea Retail operations in Russia being paused, the Ingka Group has taken the decision to continue operating the shopping centre Mega to reportedly ensure people in Russia have access to their daily needs and essentials such as food, groceries and pharmacies.
Ikea said the actions of Inter Ikea Group and Ingka Group have been to support the personal safety and security of Ikea co-workers and their families, which will impact 15,000 employees.
It added that the war has had a “huge human impact already” and it is also resulting in “serious” disruptions to supply chain and trading conditions.
Additionally, Ikea has started several initiatives alongside humanitarian organisations to support the affected people with emergency relief in the most needed regions.
The Ikea Foundation has also announced a donation of €20m (£16.54m) for humanitarian assistance to those who have been forcibly displaced as a result of the conflict in Ukraine, in response to an emergency appeal from UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency.
In addition, Inter IKEA Group and Ingka Group are granting €10m (£8.27m) each to provide support in products and other assistance to UNHCR, Save the Children and other organisations working in the local markets.
Ikea said: “The devastating war in Ukraine is a human tragedy, and our deepest empathy and concerns are with the millions of people impacted.
“The ambitions of the company groups are long term and we have secured employment and income stability for the immediate future and provide support to them and their families in the region.”
It added: “The situation is extremely critical and fast moving. The company groups are dedicated to navigate in this reality, with the best interest of people as the highest priority.”
