Following the onset of the special operation in Ukraine, more than 500 international companies limited their activities in Russia, according to analyses drawn from the Associated Press and a Yale University database. The scope of action by multinational firms shifted quickly as sanctions and market pressures mounted, prompting a sweeping reassessment of operations across the country.
Current reports indicate that 151 organizations are actively liquidating their ventures, while another 175 are trying to buy time or slow the process through strategic pauses. A further 230 firms are adopting delaying tactics, with a notable majority coming from Chinese business groups seeking to navigate the shifting landscape with cautious tempo.
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, who leads the Yale compilation, has argued that exiting the Russian market represents a prudent business decision. His assessment rests on the premise that retreating from the market improves securities valuations and aligns portfolios with a more stable risk profile in the international arena.
Recent coverage from major outlets notes that the retail sector is watching developments closely. Reports highlighted a decision by the Japanese department store chain Uniqlo to exit Russia entirely, signaling a broader recalibration of foreign retail presence in the region.
Looking ahead, industry observers are tracking announced plans to open more than 400 domestic fashion stores within Russia during the year. The roster includes brands such as Gloria Jeans, Stockmann, and Melon Fashion Group, which owns Zarina, Befree, Love Republic, and Sela, suggesting a pivot toward domestically driven fashion retail and localized supply chains.