The London-based company has issued a statement to say it stands with Ukraine and the international community in condemning the Russian invasion. It adds that the board of WPP has concluded that its ongoing presence in Russia would be “inconsistent with our values as a company, so we are therefore discontinuing our operations in the country”.

WPP has nearly 1,400 members of staff in Russia and in its statement thanked them for “their commitment to the company and our clients”.

“We deeply regret the impact of this decision on our Russian colleagues. We will provide support to them and work closely with our clients and partners as we discontinue our activities in the country,” the statement added.

The company also has 200 employees in Ukraine, who are said to have shown “extraordinary resilience and bravery in the face of the horrific attack on their country”.

WPP notes that it has “been inspired by their example and the outpouring of support from their colleagues in the region and worldwide. We are in constant contact with our leaders in Ukraine to provide financial and other forms of practical assistance.”

WPP has partnered with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, to run an emergency fundraising appeal to help people forced to flee their homes in search of safety in other parts of Ukraine, or neighbouring countries. It is also match-funding all donations by WPP employees.