Long lines at IKEA stores in Russia before operations suspended over Ukraine invasion

STOCKHOLM — Swedish furniture giant IKEA says today it will suspend its activities in Russia and Belarus, affecting nearly 15,000 employees, 17 stores, and three production sites, in response to the war in Ukraine.

The move is the latest in a slew of responses by companies to Moscow’s invasion of its neighbor, while the United States, the European Union, and Britain have all unleashed severe economic sanctions, including the targeting of Russian banks and its transport sector.

“The war has had a huge human impact already. It is also resulting in serious disruptions to supply chain and trading conditions. For all of these reasons, IKEA has decided to temporarily pause operations in Russia,” the company says in a statement to AFP.

The suspension mainly concerns Russia, where the Swedish group has been present since 2000 and is one of the largest Western employers.

Operations in Belarus will also be halted, though the country hosts only a few suppliers and has no shops, according to IKEA.

Videos on social media show long lines at IKEA stores in Russia as shoppers take their last chance to stock up on the furniture maker’s wares.