By Neil Trainis

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s president Claire Anderson has said the organisation has removed “directly invested Russian assets" from the "vast majority" of its funds and promised to remove the rest “as soon as possible".

As the war in Ukraine continues to rage, with more than two million people fleeing the Russian invasion, Ms Anderson (pictured) called “for the immediate withdrawal” of Russia’s troops. 

Refugees are continuing to cross into Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Hungary and Moldova and many are in need of medical supplies to treat wounds and medicines.

With institutions across the Western world imposing sanctions on Russia, such as excluding seven Russian banks from financial transaction messaging service SWIFT, Ms Anderson insisted the professional leadership body is playing its part.

“We are deeply troubled by the devastating crisis in Ukraine and our thoughts are with all those affected. RPS deplores and condemns Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and calls for the immediate withdrawal of its forces,” she said.

“We have now removed directly invested Russian assets from the vast majority of our funds and will work to remove any remaining as soon as possible. RPS is keen to play its part in supporting the health professionals working in unimaginable conditions in Ukraine.”

When asked by Independent Community Pharmacist to name what “directly invested Russian assets” it has removed from its funds, the RPS did not respond.