Co-op has announced it is removing a Russian vodka brand from sale with immediate effect “as a sign of solidarity with the people of Ukraine”.
Russian Standard vodka, which is distilled in St Petersburg, will no longer be available to buy, the supermarket chain said.
A Co-op spokesperson said: “In response to the ongoing invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces and as a sign of solidarity with the people of Ukraine, we have taken the decision to remove from sale Russian-made vodka.
“Russian Standard has been taken off sale with immediate effect because it is overtly marketed as being Russian and produced there. It will not be stocked for the foreseeable future.
They added: “Our members and customers will also be able to support the humanitarian response to help those displaced by the conflict by donating at our stores to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) appeal.
“The appeal will launch across our 2,600 stores today (Thursday 3 March 2022) and we’ll be match funding our customers donations up to £100,000.
“Our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine, and those in Russia who oppose this invasion.”
It comes as other bars and restaurants across the UK have halted sales of Russian alcohol including beer and vodka.
The pub chain said it would stop selling bottles of Baltika Lager, which is brewed in St Petersburg, at its 870 sites.
A spokesperson said it had made the decision to stop stocking the beer “in light of the current situation” in Ukraine.
Nightcap group, which owns venues The Cocktail Club, Tonight Josephine and Barrio Familia, has paused all sales of the alcoholic spirit across its 25 bars.
The invasion has entered its eighth day.
Russian and Ukrainian officials met in Belarus for a second round of peace talks.
Delegates from both countries discussed the possibility of a ceasefire and humanitarian corridors for those fleeing the conflict.
