A protester opposed to the Russian president has invaded the headquarters of Red Bull and unfurled a huge 400m2 banner that reads, RED BULL PAID FOR PUTIN’S WINGS.
Unlike other international brands, like Coca-Cola and Pepsi, who have cut ties with Putin’s Russia, Red Bull has maintained its operations in the country. You can still find the energy drink on sale in almost every grocery store across the nation.
The Ukraine Solidarity Project (USP) – a network of European and Ukrainian activists that exposes international brands for regressive policies on Putin-led Russia – has organised a protest against companies that still trade in the country. When companies continue to trade with Russia, they are paying taxes to the Kremlin and threaten global solidarity when faced with Putin’s aggression.
The Yale School of Management recently gave Red Bull a failing “D” grade for its Russia business policy. Unlike Pepsi and Coca-Cola, which have stopped marketing and new investments in Russia, Red Bull continues to sell drinks there.
Recently, a message was projected onto the side of the Red Bull HQ in the UK, which was written by Oleksandra Matvichuk. The human rights defender talked to Max Verstappen for two minutes about a future where everyone is free from war.
The Red Bull global headquarters is located near Salzburg, Austria. The futuristic building features two domed buildings and a lake, which is great for outdoor activities like boating and fishing. Not only that, but campaigners from the USP also evaded security to get up close and personal with the reception building.
According to Ukraine Solidarity Project, “We need to help people in the most vulnerable regions of the country.”
“Red Bull’s decision to stay on sale in Russia is important. It’s one of the world’s biggest brands and we need to pay attention to their choice. Companies that are selling products there aren’t paying taxes to Ukraine, but rather the Kremlin. Red Bull could help Putin by giving him more momentum. If they want to get ahead, they need to pull out.”
Red Bull has emailed today reiterating its position that they have suspended marketing activities and anything new along with investments, but they haven’t pulled out of Putin’s Russia.
