The owner of vodka brand Stolichnaya, Stoli Group, has changed the name of the vodka to ‘Stoli’ as a “direct response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine”, taking swift action to cut all supply ties with Russia.
“While I have been exiled from Russia since 2000 due to my opposition to Putin, I have remained proud of the Stolichnaya brand,” said Yuri Shefler, founder of Stoli Group. “More than anything, I wish for ‘Stoli’ to represent peace in Europe and solidarity with Ukraine.”
The rebrand came after the group announced it would source all of its alcohol from Slovakia instead of Russia.
The global spirits company has also provided financial support for the non-profit organisation World Central Kitchen to serve nourishing meals to Ukrainians. It aims to donate US$1 million to the organisation by Ukraine Independence Day on August 24. The company said it will announce further fundraising efforts within Australia in the coming weeks.
“This is very personal to us. As a former Royal Marine Commando, I know all too well the horrors of war,” said Damian McKinney, global CEO at Stoli Group.
“We have employees, partners, and distributors in the region directly impacted. They are asking that we take a bold stand. This is one actionable, meaningful thing we can do to make it clear that we support Ukraine.”
