Two UK supermarket chains have removed a Russian vodka brand from sale with immediate effect, with the Co-op describing its decision "as a sign of solidarity with the people of Ukraine".

Russian Standard vodka, which is distilled in St Petersburg, will also no longer appear on shelves at Morrisons.

The Co-op said its decision was taken in response to the ongoing invasion of Ukraine and because the drink "is overtly marketed as being Russian and produced there".

A spokesperson said: "In response to the ongoing invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces and as a sign of solidarity with the people of Ukraine, we have taken the decision to remove from sale Russian-made vodka.

"It will not be stocked for the foreseeable future."

They added: "Our members and customers will also be able to support the humanitarian response to help those displaced by the conflict by donating at our stores to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) appeal.

"The appeal will launch across our 2,600 stores today (Thursday 3 March 2022) and we'll be match funding our customers' donations up to £100,000.

"Our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine, and those in Russia who oppose this invasion."

It comes as supermarket brands in other European countries have made similar moves to ban Russian vodka, as reported by Politico.