Russian vodka in the crosshairs after Ukraine invasion

Vodka shelf empty
A shelf tag at the Windsor Heights Hy-Vee, where Russian vodka had been removed from the liquor department. Photo credit Bill Steiden/staff / USA TODAY NETWORK

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Vodka has become a popular target of people and businesses opposed to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Businesses that have pulled Russian-made vodka from their shelves include big companies such as Binny's Beverage Depot and smaller establishments that include Grand Duke's Lithuanian restaurant in Downers Grove.

“Some customers said, ‘We don’t want Russian vodka. We don’t want to see it here,’” owner Andrius Bucus told WBBM Newsradio on Wednesday.

Many of his customers came to this country from Lithuania, which, like Ukraine, was controlled by Russia during the Soviet era.

Bucus said Lithuanian Americans understand what Ukrainians are facing and support the boycott of Russian-made vodka.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Bill Steiden/staff / USA TODAY NETWORK