A global drinks giant has been called on to stop selling Scotch whisky in Russia.
Iconic brands such as Glenlivet and Ballantine's are still being sold in Russian shops despite Vladimir Putin's on-going invasion of Ukraine.
Pernod Ricard, the world's second largest wines and spirits producer, provoked outrage after it was revealed it had resumed exports to Moscow.
Pro-Ukraine campaigners last night called for the drinks industry to stop doing business with the French conglomerate until it halted all sales in Russia.
A protest was held outside the World Distilled Spirits Conference, which is taking place in Edinburgh this week.
Anna Kitzberg, of Help Ukraine Scotland, said: "The Scottish people are rightly proud of their support for Ukraine, and of the international reputation of their whiskies.
"Meanwhile, Pernod Ricard benefits from Russian money and brings profit to the Russian economy, paying taxes and generating funds that go towards buying weaponry killing Ukrainian civilians.
"The whisky industry and the people of Scotland should call them out and say: we want no part of this."
A spokesperson for the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain said: "In light of the continuing Russian war against Ukraine and with the recent drone attacks on Ukraine causing death to innocent civilians and destruction to private property, we are disappointed to learn that Glenlivet, Jameson, Beefeater are still trading with Russia.
"The whole industry should be appalled at what Pernod Ricard is doing."
Pernod Ricard owns several brands of Scotch and initially halted sales in Russia last year but they were reportedly restarted last month.
It employs several hundred staff in Scotland, mainly at its Kilmalid whisky bottling operation in Dumbarton.
In a statement, the company said exiting Russia was both "complex and extremely challenging".
"From the very beginning we have utterly condemned the invasion of Ukraine by Russia," it said.
"We have stood and stand firmly with the people of Ukraine, contributing to the UNHCR and provided assistance to our 60 local team members, including direct financial assistance, psychological support, accommodation for some employees and their families, in neighbouring countries and employment outside Ukraine for those who required it.
"In fully complying with all international sanctions we significantly reduced the number and quantity of brands imported to a level that enabled us to protect our local teams, their livelihoods, and the welfare of their families.
"This also meant reducing the quantities being sold to avoid ‘intentional bankruptcy’, which is a criminal offence in Russia and represents a significant risk for our employees.
"In doing everything we can to manage the situation, the reality of exiting Russia is both complex and extremely challenging.
"We also fully understand and acknowledge the reaction over the recent days as we sought to give context to the decisions we have taken. Many companies, in our industry and in others, have made the same difficult choice."
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: "The Scottish Government has repeatedly condemned Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine and stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.
"While decisions on sanctions and their application are reserved to the UK Government, the Scottish Government has led calls for businesses not to export to and to disinvest from Russia.
"We have also made clear that both we, and our economic agencies, will not support trade and investment activity with Russia.”
To sign up to the Daily Record Politics newsletter, click here.
