Ukraine declares Xiaomi Corporation international sponsor of war
Xiaomi ranks first in the sale of smartphones in Russia (Photo:Aly Song / Reuters)
Ukraine’s National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP) has declared China’s Xiaomi Corporation an international sponsor of war, the agency reported on April 13.
The company has been listed not only because it continued operations in Russia after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, but also because it remains the leader in smartphone sales in the terrorist state.
Xiaomi has been No. 1 seller in Russian online stores since 2018 and has a large network of official Mi Store retail outlets throughout Russia.
“While the Russians bombed peaceful Ukrainian cities, Xiaomi managed to increase supplies to Russia by 39% in Q1 2022 compared to the previous year,” the agency said.
“During 2022, Xiaomi doubled its market share and is now the leader in smartphone sales in the aggressor country. In July 2022, Xiaomi and its sub-brand POCO together held 42% of the Russian smartphone market, taking first place in terms of sales.”
The Russian market is extremely important for this Chinese company, which is why Xiaomi never intended to leave Russia. The company has ceased marketing in the market since Spring 2022.
“Xiaomi is now actively resuming recruitment for its Russian offices and has announced the official start of flagship smartphone sales, which indicates the company’s intentions to restore a full-fledged presence in Russia,” NACP said.
“Thus, Xiaomi Corporation is sponsoring the military aggression of the terrorist state and must bear both the reputational and legal consequences of its actions.”
Xiaomi is one of the world leaders in the production of smartphones. The company also produces household appliances, tablets, smart watches, software, electric scooters, electric bicycles, and other electronic and household goods.
The NACP has listed several companies on its list of international sponsors of war. The full list includes: Procter&Gamble, OpenWay Group, Danieli, TMS Tankers, Minerva Marine, Thenamaris Ships Management, Delta Tankers, Dynacom Tankers Management, Leroy Merlin, ComNav Technology, Mondi Group/Mondi PLC, eKassir, Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry, Bonduelle, Auchan Holding, Metro Cash&Carry, Buzzi Unicem, Yves Rocher, and Raiffeisen Bank International.
All these companies have been included in the World-Check database of the London Stock Exchange Group to protect the financial sector from sponsors of the Russian war.
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