PHILADELPHIA — Russian-made alcohol is the latest target in the growing backlash against the country’s invasion of Ukraine.
So far, officials in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Utah and New Hampshire have called on liquor stores to remove Russian-made or Russian-branded products from shelves, a move that largely targets vodka since it’s most closely associated with the country.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox requested on Saturday that state-run liquor outlets “remove all Russian-produced and Russian-branded products,” explaining that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is an “egregious violation of human rights.”
New Hampshire’s Gov. Chris Sununu made a similar announcement, also asking for the removal of “Russian-made and Russian-branded spirits.”
These moves are largely symbolic – and may even miss their intended target – as very few brands imported to the United States still produce the liquor in Russia.
Many of the top-selling vodka brands that trace their origins to Russia are now distilled in multiple countries – including the United States.
For example, some bar owners are protesting the invasion by dumping out Stoli Vodka. Problem is, it’s only Russian by name, which is loosely translated as “capital city” due to its origins in Moscow. The vodka is actually made in Latvia, and the company’s headquarters is in Luxembourg – a member of NATO which has spoken against the Russian invasion.
Categories: Culture Wars/Current Controversies

















