Virginia ABC Removes Russian-Sourced Vodka After Youngkin Calls for State, Local Governments to Break Ties with Russia

The Virginia ABC is removing seven Russian-sourced vodka brands from its shelves, although Stolichnaya and Smirnoff, which aren’t produced in Russia, will remain on shelves. That’s a response to Governor Glenn Youngkin’s Saturday directive to the Department of General Services to review Virginia’s procurement of goods and services involving Russian companies.

“The invasion of Ukraine by Soviet dictator Vladimir Putin cannot stand, and the people of the Commonwealth are ready to rally in opposition to this senseless attack on a sovereign nation and Western ideals,” Youngkin said in a press release. “Today, we are acting to show our solidarity with the Ukrainian people as they defend their country. And while these are important steps, it is incumbent upon President Biden to take a stronger, more decisive leadership position to end this war.”

After Ohio Governor Mike DeWine removed Russian-made vodka from Ohio’s state-owned stores, Senator Louise Lucas (D-Portsmouth)  tweeted on Saturday, “Governor Youngkin is right to review all purchases from Russian companies but he should also remove the products from the ABC stores immediately as Republican governors already have in Ohio and New Hampshire.”

“In the spirit of Governor Youngkin’s call for decisive action in support of Ukraine, Virginia ABC is removing Russian-sourced vodka brands from our store shelves,” the Virginia ABC said in a Sunday press release…. (Excerpt from the Virginia Star)