Nutella maker Ferrero suspends non-essential activities in Russia

MILAN - Italian food group Ferrero has decided to suspend non-essential activities and development plans in Russia in the wake of the Ukraine crisis, the Nutella maker said on Friday.

"We will reassess our decisions on a regular basis as we continue to closely monitor the impacts of this dramatic and rapidly evolving situation, doing our utmost to safeguard people's safety", it said in a statement on its website.

Ferrero also said it had temporarily closed its offices in Ukraine and would donate 1 million euros to help children and families in the country.

The food group operates a plant in Russia and commercial activities in Ukraine.