Business 17 June 2026 Nile Post
Mondelez Defends Continued Operations in Russia Amidst Criticism
The CEO of Cadbury's parent company, Mondelez, has defended the decision to maintain business in Russia, citing concerns over job losses and potential asset seizure. However, he acknowledged the ethical dilemma of paying taxes that fund the ongoing war in Ukraine. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/349198/cadbury-chocolate-owner-mondelez-defends-staying-in-russia
Dirk Van de Put, the Chief Executive of Mondelez International, the company behind Cadbury chocolate, has publicly defended the firm’s decision to continue operating in Russia following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Many Western companies exited the Russian market after the full-scale assault, but Mondelez chose to remain, albeit with significant reductions in its operations.
Van de Put stated that pulling out of Russia would have jeopardized thousands of jobs and risked the Kremlin seizing local assets. He emphasized a desire to remain neutral in the conflict, telling the BBC’s Big Boss Interview series, “We’re not trying to take any side. I think we did the right thing for our people in Russia.”
Despite this stance, Van de Put admitted he is “not pleased” that the taxes paid by Mondelez in Russia contribute to funding the war. “Can we be criticised for that? Yeah, of course. We pay taxes in Russia that helps the war. I’m not pleased about that,” he confessed.
Mondelez, which also owns brands like Ritz crackers and Toblerone, has discontinued new investments and halted advertising spending in Russia. The company’s Russian operations generated between $1 billion and $1.4 billion in annual sales since the invasion began. The decision has drawn criticism, with over 70 Members of Parliament in the UK signing a letter calling for Mondelez to sever ties with Russia.
Van de Put explained the rationale behind the decision: “They would have confiscated our plant. It would have probably given them a much bigger source of income, keep on selling our products to fund the war.” He believes that while unpopular, it was ultimately the “right decision.”
Meanwhile, Mondelez continues to operate in Ukraine, despite the ongoing conflict. Van de Put shared that an office building in Ukraine was hit on the morning of his interview, highlighting the dangerous reality for employees there. The company has rebuilt facilities that have been damaged, investing significantly and maintaining its workforce, even doubling salaries at the start of the conflict.
Source: Nile Post