Ukraine: Over 4,500 staff lose jobs as KPMG dumps Russia, Belarus firms

The British-Dutch multinational professional services network, KPMG International Limited, has announced its decision to remove Russia and Belarus firms from its network.

With the decision, no fewer than 4,500 staff working in both firms will become jobless.

The company said the move was in response to the Russian government’s ongoing military attack on Ukraine.

KPMG announced its decision in a series of tweets on the company’s Twitter handle late Sunday night.

“We believe we have a responsibility, along with other global businesses, to respond to the Russian government’s ongoing military attack on Ukraine. As a result, our Russia and Belarus firms will leave the KPMG network.

“KPMG has over 4,500 people in Russia and Belarus, and ending our working relationship with them, many of whom have been a part of KPMG for many decades, is incredibly difficult,” KPMG said.

It added, “This decision is not about them – it is a consequence of the actions of the Russian Government. We are a purpose-led and values-driven organization that believes in doing the right thing.

“We will seek to do all we can to ensure we provide transitional support for former colleagues impacted by this decision.”

It would be recalled that President Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine on February 24.