Renault backtracks after backlash over move to resume Russia production

By Tuba Sahin

ANKARA (AA) - French carmaker Renault decided to suspend activities at its manufacturing plant in Moscow amid mounting public pressure to withdraw from the country.

"Regarding its stake in AVTOVAZ, Renault Group is assessing the available options, taking into account the current environment, while acting responsibly towards its 45,000 employees in Russia," the company said in a statement on Wednesday.

The move came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy​​​​​​​ called on French companies such as Renault, supermarket group Auchan, and DIY retailer Leroy Merlin to pullback from Russia and accused them of sponsoring the "Russian war machine” during his speech at the National Assembly.

Renault had recently resumed production after a halt at the plant in late February citing logistical bottlenecks amid the war.

As the Russia-Ukraine war marks the end of its first month, the civilian death toll has reached at least 977, while 1,594 others have been wounded, according to UN estimates.