Critics of companies that have remained in Russia, including Yale Chief Executive Leadership Institute founder Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, denounce these businesses as greedy, or even complicit in Russia's invasion. But ceasing operations in a country with such major business implications isn't simple. Some businesses remain because of a lack of pressure on them to leave, or due to an existential threat. Others believe staying is the most humane option for their consumers.
Sidortsov says other companies may simply not fear the optics of operating in Russia, especially if these firms are small or not publicly well known, or if business interests are simply too great. They don't simply leave the market because, for them, it would potentially hurt a lot – Andreas Rasche Even companies that stay risk the possibility of seizure by the Kremlin. In July, this happened to Carlsberg, a Danish competitor to Heineken; Russian President Vladimir Putin. While Carlsberg still owns Baltika, it no longer has any jurisdiction over it.