LOUISVILLE, Kentucky — Jack Daniel’s Distillery parent company Brown-Forman announced on Wednesday that they plan to cease all commercial operation in Russia due to the ongoing decision of Russian President Vladimir Putin to invade Ukraine.

Our local product may come from a tiny Tennessee town but its reach is global. The Louisville based company boasts offices around the world including Kiev and Moscow. One official we spoke to said the company made the decision to suspend operations there because it’s the right thing to do but also due to the vast outpouring from concerned international consumers as well as Jack Daniel’s Squire located around the globe.

Their full official statement is as follows:

We watch in horror as millions of Ukrainians continue to face the somber realities of war. Our thoughts are with them and all those who are full of fear and uncertainty, displaced and desiring refuge, suffering and seeking peace, or mourning and missing loved ones. 

We are staying in close contact with our Ukrainian colleagues, providing assistance and financial support to help them during this time of need. In addition, we are making donations to UNICEF, UNHCR, and International Medical Corps, organizations aiding Ukrainian children and all refugees and offering medical assistance.

In light of the war in Ukraine, we are suspending commercial operations in Russia.

We join the global community in calling for peace.•

{The Lynchburg Times is the only locally owned newspaper in Lynchburg and also the only woman-owned newspaper in Tennessee. We cover Metro Moore County government, Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Nearest Green Distillery, Tims Ford State Park, Motlow State Community College, Moore County High School, Moore County Middle School, Lynchburg Elementary, Raider Sports, plus regional and state news.}