Fianna Fáil MEP urges Irish firms to pull their operations out of Russia

Billy Kelleher, who owns shares in Kerry Group, has written to the food company asking that it shutter its Russian operations following the recent revelations of mass graves in Bucha, Ukraine.

A woman cries in the  Kyiv suburb of Bucha, Ukraine. Picture: Vadim Ghirda/AP

A Fianna Fáil MEP has called on all Irish companies with operations in Russia to pull out of the country.

Billy Kelleher, who himself owns shares in Kerry Group, has written to the food company asking that it shutter its Russian operations following the recent revelations of mass graves in Bucha, Ukraine.

"This week’s unearthing of mass graves demonstrating the systematic murdering of Ukrainian civilians by Russian soldiers means that Russia can no longer be treated as a legitimate state," he said. 

The EU and Ireland must treat Russia like the international pariah it has now become.

“Two immediate steps that should be followed include the temporary ban on the purchase of Russian oil and gas and making it very clear to EU companies that continuing to operate in Russia will not be tolerated by member states."

The Ireland South MEP said he had made his views "quite clear" in an email to Kerry Group chief executive Edmond Scanlon.

"I felt that they should shutter or suspend their activities both in Russia and Belarus as well, to ensure that there is no contribution whatsoever, directly or indirectly, in terms of funds that may flow from any of the commercial activities towards the Putin regime, which could therefore fund the criminal war effort."

Billy Kelleher, who has shares in Kerry Group, has written to the food company asking that it shutter its Russian operations.

Calling on all Irish companies to suspend business in Russia, he said: "Sanctions sometimes hurt companies, unfortunately, but there is a corporate responsibility on them and on the Irish State as well, to ensure that they can retrench."

Mr Kelleher said, however, that Irish firms could have the opportunity to return if a ceasefire is brokered or if Russia withdraws from Ukraine.

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said Irish companies are among the 350 international firms that have withdrawn from the Russian market since the Ukrainian invasion, but added that "others need to follow suit".

In a statement the Kerry Group said it "does not expect to make a profit or pay any related taxes in Russia and if any profit is made, it will be donated to humanitarian relief efforts".

"Following extensive engagement with our stakeholders including customers, employees and suppliers, in line with legal obligations and in light of the complexity of this situation, we have taken a number of measures to scale back our operations. These measures include pausing of capital investment in Russia and Belarus, stopping all exports out of the region and suspending the production of our branded products in the region."

The group said it will continue to evaluate all dimensions of the crisis as it unfolds.

Meanwhile, Sinn Féin's Pearse Doherty again called for the expulsion of the the Russian Ambassador to Ireland.

Green Party leader Eamon Ryan said it is important that diplomatic channels remain open so Irish living in Russia can be supported if they require assistance.

"We have to do everything we can to try and help stop this war in whatever way we can and there was the expulsion of four diplomats from the Russian embassy in the last two weeks.

"I don't think any country has completely withdrawn those relationships, everyone is making that assessment and still keeping their embassies open," he told Newstalk radio.