Co-op supermarket has removed 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 appear on shelves at Co-op, the company has announced.

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.”

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