OEMs Show Support for Ukraine

As the war in Ukraine continues, many OEMs have issued statements of support for Ukraine, condemnations of Russia, donations for humanitarian relief, suspension of shipments, and more. We’ve compiled them here and will add to this story as needed.

Brother Industries issued a March 10 statement announcing a donation of 500,000 euros to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Its statement noted “Brother is extremely saddened that so many innocent lives are being negatively impacted by the current situation in Eastern Europe and have decided to extend our support to those in need. We sincerely hope that everyone impacted finds safety and security and our thoughts remain with all those affected in Ukraine and the wider area including our customers, employees, and business partners.”

Canon EMEA’s March 4 statement noted, “As part of the world-wide relief efforts supporting Ukraine, we are donating to international aid and humanitarian organisations in Ukraine, Poland, Romania, Moldova, Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia. As of earlier this week, Canon EMEA suspended all product deliveries into Russia. We continue monitoring the fast-evolving situation and developments.”

Epson on March 9 stated, “To support humanitarian relief for those affected by the crisis, we are donating US$1 million through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the Red Cross. In addition, Epson Group companies are arranging to match all funds raised through staff donations to the Red Cross. As part of its policy of pursuing the trust-based management that underpins its Management Philosophy, Epson is committed to respecting human rights. As such, we have made the decision to suspend exports of our products to Russia and Belarus.”

HP announced during its Feb. 28 earnings call that it would suspend shipments to Russia. It then released a statement on March 3 stating, “We are acting with urgency to support HP employees, their families and our partners in Ukraine, Russia, and neighboring countries. The HP Foundation is also providing grants to support Ukrainian relief efforts – working with NGOs such as UNICEF, UNHCR and the Polish Red Cross – and matching employee donations made through the HP Giving and Volunteering program. We have suspended shipments to Russia and Belarus, and we have paused all marketing and advertising activities. HP stands with the global community in calling for an immediate end to the violence and the restoration of peace in the region.”

Konica Minolta Europe issued a forceful March 1 statement, noting “As Konica Minolta Europe we are condemning any act of violence and warfare. Naturally, we are adhering to the sanctions imposed by the international community including the EU, USA and Japan. Also, due to the sanctions for the financial sector and internal measures taken by the Russian government, payments between our European headquarters and Konica Minolta Business Solutions Russia have been suspended for now. We regret that this might have an impact on our colleagues in Russia, but we hope for their understanding. … after all, we at Konica Minolta are all part of a European family and surely no one, of any given nationality, is in favor of a war – anywhere, at any time.”

Konica Minolta Group followed up with a March 16 statement, noting “For the Konica Minolta Group, the safety and well-being of its global team members and their families are the top priority. Supporting the safety of the Ukrainian colleagues, our European employees have been giving assistance, through the neighboring Konica Minolta subsidiaries, to relocation, transportation, immigration services and more, for Ukrainian colleagues and their families who are able and want to leave their homes. In order to deliver donations as direct support to our employees in Ukraine and surrounding countries who are supporting Ukraine, who are all our family members, Konica Minolta, Inc. launched a matching gift fund-raising activity in which the company contributes the same amount to voluntary donations from employees. We are also inviting the Group companies in Japan to join donations through the same mechanism. … Product shipment to Russia is currently suspended.”

Lexmark issued a statement on March 17 that said, “As a global organization, Lexmark feels a responsibility to take action to support Ukraine. Early in the conflict, we suspended all shipments into Russia. We are complying with all sanctions levied by the United States and European Union. We have made a donation to the Red Cross to support relief efforts in this escalating humanitarian crisis. We will continue closely monitoring the situation and hope for a swift and peaceful resolution.”

Ricoh Europe issued a March 8 statement, saying “As a result of the conflict, Ricoh has taken the decision to suspend shipments of all devices to Russia.  We will continue to fully comply with all sanctions imposed on Russia. Our primary concern is for all those impacted by the conflict.  Ricoh Europe has made a donation to the Red Cross, while our operating companies across Europe are taking action to support the humanitarian crisis through fundraising and other activities. This conflict goes against our founding philosophy and every value we hold dear as a global organisation – we stand shoulder to shoulder in our desire for a swift and peaceful resolution.”

On March 14 the Ricoh Group also issued a statement, “As a global company aiming to contribute to the realization of a sustainable society that maintains a balance between the environment, society, and economic activities, the intensity and speed with which the humanitarian crisis is unfolding across Ukraine and the surrounding area are deeply distressing. The Ricoh Group is profoundly saddened by this tragic situation and offers condolences to all those affected. We are working to ensure that the safety and health of our employees, partners, and customers are given top priority. In light of this situation, the Ricoh Group is taking the following measures: A crisis management support team has been set up to ensure a safe and secure environment for employees and their families in the affected areas; Temporary shipment suspension of all devices to Russia; Initiatives to support those affected by the crisis, for example, Ricoh Europe’s donation to the International Red Cross Society.” It updated that statement March 17 to say it would donate one hundred million Japanese yen to the Japanese Red Cross Society and launched a program in partnership with ‘Save the Children Japan’ to enable Ricoh employees in Japan to personally contribute to humanitarian aid in direct response to the Ukraine conflict. Ricoh group companies across the world are also undertaking initiatives to support the humanitarian crisis.