Calls grow to boycott Russian products, divest investments in Philadelphia region

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Anti-Russian sentiment continues to grow throughout the United States.

Over the weekend, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board has instructed all state stores to remove all Russian-made products from shelves as a show of solidarity with Ukraine.

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According to the PLCB, very few products carried by Fine Wine & Good Spirits are actually sourced from Russia. In fact, only two products stocked in stores - Russian Standard and Ustianochka 80-proof vodkas - and about a half-dozen Special Order brands come from Russia.

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At Frank's Wine in Wilmington, Delaware, the owner posted a display of Ukrainian wine and liquor to replace Russian vodka purchases. The owner is also raising money for Ukraine relief organizations.

Across the country, more businesses are looking to see what they can do to try and make a financial impact on Russia after their invasion of Ukraine.

In Pennsylvania, Treasurer Stacy Garrity completed a divestment of the commonwealth's holdings in all Russian-based companies.

Garrity said Monday, "The divestment will be complete by the end of business today. While these holdings were very minimal, immediate action was necessary to protect Pennsylvania taxpayers and to show our support for Ukraine."

And now several lawmakers are introducing divestment legislation for all levels of government.

Democratic State Senator Sharif Street announced he is drafting a bill, so did House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff.

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"We need diapers. We need briefs. We need hygiene products. Anything from bandages, needles and syringes," said Motrja Watters with the United Ukrainian American Relief Committee.

Also on Monday, Democratic State Senator Lisa Boscola announced a resolution she is introducing that would also call on businesses in the commonwealth to divest Russian holdings, and additionally asks them to stop doing business with any Russian companies.

"I want us to divest anything we have in treasury, anything in our pension funds and our municipalities out there also have a lot in their pension funds," said Boscola.