The Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 marked a horrible escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian War that began in 2014 and caused people around the world to sit up and take notice of the issue. Many lives and business operations were disrupted due to the invasion, and it was determined by many countries that Ukraine needed assistance.

While world leaders discussed what to do, some businesses took matters into their own hands to support Ukraine and condemn Russian actions. Such companies include automakers like Nissan, Toyota, Stellantis, Ford, and Mazda.

Toyota Helps Relocate Refugees

Due to the location of production plants in neighboring countries, Toyota can give direct aid to Ukrainians fleeing the conflict, such as transportation, shelter, medical services, and administrative support to employee families.

In addition to direct aid efforts, the Toyota Humanitarian Aid Fund was created to assist Ukrainian employees and their families. Toyota has promised to match donations made to its corporate fund, Red Cross, or UNHCR by employees – they will donate 4 euros for every euro an employee gives, up to 2 million.

Mazda Financially Assists the UN Refugee Agency

Mazda dealership has pledged 1 million euros to UNHCR to support their humanitarian aid activities for Ukrainians and nearby countries suffering from Russia’s invasion. The company proclaims to support grassroots aid operations created by its employees in Europe.

In the same press release announcing the donation, Mazda announced “colleagues in the region are already active with their humanitarian support,” meaning Mazda and their associates are providing direct aid in the area of Ukraine.

Stellantis Donates Over 1 Million Dollars

Despite having only 71 employees in Ukraine, Stellantis immediately put together a 24/7 support team to monitor the health and safety of their employees, according to a press release on their website.

In that same press release, they announced a 1 million euro donation to support Ukrainian refugees and displaced civilians that would be distributed by a local NGO.

Ford Suspends Operations in Russia

Ford CEO Jim Farley tweeted a message of support and concern for Ukraine that included an announcement of Ford’s immediate suspension of operations in Russia and a pledge to donate $100,000 to the Global Giving Ukraine Relief Fund shortly after Russia’s initial invasion began.

Ford’s statement related to Ukraine support also included their intention to support all the Ukrainian nationals in their employ throughout the world despite not having significant operations in Ukraine currently.

Nissan Halts Exports to Russia

Nissan announced their intention to suspend vehicle exports to Russia and halt production in its St. Petersburg plant as a sanction against Russia for invading Ukraine. In addition, a Nissan Cares fund was created to use roughly 2.5 million euros for humanitarian aid efforts.

Of the 2.5 million, 1 million euros to the Red Cross and other nonprofit organizations providing aid to Ukraine while 1.5 million will provide financial stability and support to impacted employees and their families for relocation, living and relocation expenses, and more.

These automakers and many more have stepped up to assist Ukraine and show that they will not indirectly support Russia’s horrible actions. Just like the rest of us, automakers are doing what they can to help Ukraine in its time of need.