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Updated March 3.
Gov. Phil Scott ordered the state liquor and lottery commissioner on Monday to remove all Russian-owned products from the shelves of state agent stores.
Scott issued the order, announced in a press release, in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. New Hampshire has also suspended all sales of Russian liquor from its state-run stores, and the invasion has sparked numerous sanctions against Russia, from closing airspace to Russian flights to blocking the country’s ability to move money through the international banking system.
President Biden also aimed financial sanctions directly at Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, who ordered the invasion.
“There are few things individual states can do alone, but I am heartened by the overwhelming and united response from the Free World in support of the people of Ukraine,” Scott said. “Vermonters are inspired by the bravery, courage, and sacrifice of those who seek nothing more than the freedom to determine their own futures. The Ukrainian people are fighting for the same values we believe in, and we must come together to support them.”
Scott also ordered the suspension of purchases from Russian-owned distilleries.
Russia is the 11th biggest importer into Vermont. Its imports have increased by 23% from 2019-20, according to federal data.
The governor said he will issue an executive order later this week detailing further action and state sanctions Vermont will pursue to respond to what in a statement he called “the illegal and heinous Putin invasion of Ukraine.”