Plymouth Business Owners Monitor War in Ukraine, Pull Russian Vodkas Off Shelves

Roger and Irina Mamedov own Fruit & Fish grocery store and Paradise Liquors in Plymouth.

Both used to live in Ukraine and are deeply concerned about friends still living there. They also decided to pull Russian-made vodkas off store shelves in a symbolic gesture.

“We’re against Russian government aggression and that’s why we did the same thing in my store,” said Roger Mamedov, store owner.

Less than one percent of Vodka consumed in the U.S. actually comes from Russia.

Roger Mamedov owners Fruit & Fish grocery store in Plymouth.

Mamedov says the call to boycott businesses selling Russian products is not having much of an impact on his store.

“People know we have nothing to do with the Russian government,” said Mamedov. “If you come into Russian store, you are not supporting the Russian government, you’re just supporting local business.”

He and his wife are both watching the destruction in Ukraine and are worried about friends. They are saddened by the destruction.

“It’s no city any more, destroyed, destroyed. I can’t believe it but destroyed,” said Irina Mamedov, speaking about Karkiv, Ukraine’s second largest city. “It’s a terrible situation.”

Shoppers say communication is spotty and they have a hard time connecting with family members.

See also: Immigrants from Russia, Ukraine Pray for Family Back Home: ‘I Just Want to Know They Are Safe’

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