Unlike Ukrainians, people in Moscow and Saint Petersburg don’t have to hide in basements from bombs or flee the country. But the fact that their President Vladimir Putin has instigated a war that the world does not agree with is felt in their everyday lives. The sanctions imposed by the West are already leading to a massive devaluation of their savings. In addition, many companies from Apple to VW are stopping their business activities in Russia, closing shops and production facilities.
The Swedish furniture giant Ikea is also shutting down its operations in Russia and Belarus because of the war – “temporarily”, according to a statement from the group. Reasons are the tragic human impact of the war and disrupted supply chains. All furniture stores would be closed, 15,000 employees would be affected.
Many Russians apparently fear that the shops will not reopen anytime soon. Shortly before the shops closed on Thursday evening, there was a real rush in various Russian Ikea branches. Pictures from Moscow, Saint Petersburg and other cities show how thousands of Russians quickly wanted to stock up on furniture and other furnishings, but not everyone could be served.