Ohio Ceases Sale Of Russian-Made Vodka Over Ukraine Invasion

COLUMBUS, OH — The state of Ohio will cease both the purchase and sale of Russian Standard vodka, the only overseas, Russian-owned distillery with vodka sold in Ohio, Gov. Mike DeWine announced Saturday.

The decision came as Russia continued its assault on Ukraine, an invasion that began Thursday with air and missile strikes and Russian troops entering Ukraine from the north, east and south.

Ukraine's health minister reported Saturday that 198 people, including three children, have been killed since Russia launched its unprovoked attack on the country. More than 1,000 others have been wounded during Europe's largest land war since World War II. It's unclear whether the figure included both military and civilian casualties.

The United Nations said more than 150,000 Ukrainians had fled for Poland, Moldova and other neighboring countries and warned the number could grow to 4 million if fighting escalates.

In a tweet, DeWine said he directed the Ohio Department of Commerce to cease selling and purchasing Russian Standard vodka at 487 liquor stores. The vodka is sold under the brand names Green Mark Vodka & Russian Standard Vodka.

"@OhioLiquor estimates that there are approximately 6,400 bottles of vodka made by Russian Standard currently for sale in Ohio's (liquor agencies)," DeWine tweeted. "Retailers have been asked to immediately pull Green Mark Vodka and Russian Standard Vodka from their shelves."

A similar move was made Saturday by New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu, who signed an executive order requiring state-run liquor and wine outlets to remove all Russian liquor from shelves in response to the country's invasion of Ukraine.

"New Hampshire stands with the people of Ukraine in their fight for freedom," he said on Twitter.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.