MANILA, PHILIPPINES — If there’s any world event right now that needs no briefing, it’s what’s currently happening in Eastern Europe that’s on everybody’s lips: Russia’s war on Ukraine. Since Vladimir Putin shocked the world by declaring military action on Feb. 24, the invasion of Ukraine has been all over the news garnering widespread disbelief and protest.
While intense diplomatic efforts carry on, leading brands in the creative industry are taking action as well. Some have even taken the drastic measure of removing their products and their brands from the Russian market. From making statements and donating to Ukrainians to discontinuing business in Russia, here are some of the ways that brands are showing their support for Ukraine.
1. Pantone
Very Peri may be the color of 2022, but the new pair of colors that Pantone posted — Freedom Blue and Energizing Yellow — are definitely louder. This new color card donning the shades of the Ukraine flag is a strong and straightforward way to express that standing with Ukraine is important to what Pantone is as a brand.
— PANTONE (@pantone) March 3, 2022
2. WPP
WPP makes their firm support of Ukraine clear as the media giant recently made moves to pull out of Russia. According to WPP, the choice to discontinue operations with Russia came from the conclusion that their ongoing presence in the country given the war would be inconsistent with their values as a company. “Our 200 people in Ukraine have shown extraordinary resilience and bravery in the face of the horrific attack on their country,” the statement read.
WPP, the world’s largest ad company, is discontinuing operations in Russia, where it has nearly 1,400 employees. An “ongoing presence in Russia would be inconsistent with our values as a company,” it said. pic.twitter.com/tQpMN4GsHz
— Tiffany Hsu (@tiffkhsu) March 4, 2022
3. Studios take a stand
The entertainment industry and its leading film studios are taking a stand with Ukraine as well. This includes Disney, Warner Bros., and Sony, all of which have halted theatrical releases of their movies in Russia. Likewise, Netflix suspended services in Russia and is putting a hold on all projects and acquisitions from the country.
Netflix is suspending service in Russia in protest of the invasion of Ukraine. https://t.co/vbyJzDebwr pic.twitter.com/vJ9vTNcAI0
— IGN (@IGN) March 6, 2022
Netflix has also put the documentary Winter on Fire: Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom up for free on YouTube, available to anyone in the world.
4. LIONS
LIONS made the decision to no longer accept submissions or delegations from Russian organizations into Cannes Lions or its associated awards programs. They have also created a talent directory for creatives who have been negatively affected by the war so that those who wish to commission and support them will have a database they can refer to.
Our thoughts go out to the affected members of the community at this extremely difficult time. Read on to see how we’re supporting the creative community here: https://t.co/wRlL4nRV8O pic.twitter.com/qyOQ70TAG4
— LIONS | The Home of Creativity (@Cannes_Lions) March 4, 2022
5. Apple
Not only has Apple suspended sales of their products in Russia, but the tech company also stopped Apple Pay in Russia and restricted apps for Russian news outlets. Making a big move to protect Ukrainians, Apple Maps is no longer showing traffic in Ukraine.
Apple has stopped selling all of its products in Russia, saying it's "deeply concerned" about the invasion of Ukraine https://t.co/tz3MD55CxQ
— CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) March 1, 2022
6. The One Club for Creativity
In their statement on the Russia-Ukraine war, The One Club for Creativity listed the various ways they are doing their part to help Ukrainians. These efforts include refunding all entry fees for The One Show 2022, ADC 101st Annual Awards, and Young Ones Student Awards submitted from Ukraine, making donations, and providing the Ukrainian creative community with networking resources and other support programming for free.
The One Club condemns in the strongest terms the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the humanitarian crisis it has inflicted on the country. See our full statement for updates to our competitions & steps we're taking for our community: https://t.co/ZR0Qf8tIwY
(🕊 Jakub Sobczak) pic.twitter.com/rMKmPGdZau— The One Club for Creativity (@TheOneClub) March 7, 2022
7. Airbnb
For those fleeing Ukraine due to the ongoing invasion, finding shelter is crucial to survival. Airbnb decided to offer free short-term housing to up to 100,000 refugees to ensure their safety. The company also wrote to countries neighboring Ukraine to offer help in housing refugees fleeing to their countries.
1. Airbnb and https://t.co/enqjlQB0rH are working with our Hosts to house up to 100,000 refugees fleeing from Ukraine, for free
— Brian Chesky (@bchesky) February 28, 2022
8. The fashion industry stands with Ukraine
Many brands in the fashion world have shown solidarity with Ukrainians and condemned Russia’s invasion by donating to relief efforts in Ukraine. Some giant brands, including Chanel, LVMH, Kering, and Hermès have even halted business in Russia.
French luxury giants have joined other firms in announcing they will suspend sales in Russia amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. LVMH, Hermes, Kering, and Chanel have shut their shopshttps://t.co/kjiuDZynLa
— Alfons López Tena 🦇 (@alfonslopeztena) March 5, 2022
9. Publicis Groupe
Publicis is making a significant financial commitment in order to ensure that its Ukrainian employees get the support they need amid the war. On top of providing security, health, housing, and relocation measures, the advertising agency is also guaranteeing the salary of all 350 Ukrainian employees for the rest of 2022.
10. D&AD
D&AD is refunding all the money from entry fees that they’ve received from Ukraine. Additionally, all money that they receive from Russian entries will be donated to the Art Director’s Club of Ukraine. The organization is also using its platform to promote concrete ways that people can support Ukrainians amid the crisis.
D&AD stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, believing in the sovereignty of the nation, the values of democracy and the right of its citizens to live in peace and safety. Read on to see how we're supporting the creative community in Ukraine: https://t.co/F1irHlf8dh
— D&AD (@dandad) February 28, 2022
