Woolworths Chicken Kiev to become Chicken Kyiv, donations to Red Cross Ukrainian Appeal

The nation’s largest supermarket chain will drop its Russian spelling of Kiev in a gesture of solidarity with the Ukrainian people.

Woolworths’ Chicken Garlic Kiev. Picture: Supplied.

In a gesture of solidarity with the Ukrainian people suffering from the invasion by Russia, the nation’s largest supermarket chain Woolworths has decided to drop the Russian spelling of Kiev for its famous Chicken Kiev meal to now be called Chicken “Kyiv”.

Woolworths will also make donations to the Australian Red Cross’ Ukraine Crisis Appeal for each pack of its private label Chicken Kyiv sold.

A Woolworths Group spokesman said after discussions with the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations the retailer believed it was a small, but meaningful change it could make to stand in solidarity with Ukrainians living in Australia.

“Kyiv is the globally recognised name of the capital, so it’s only appropriate we reflect that in the labelling of the product,” said a Woolworths spokesman.

“The name change will be made immediately online, and gradually roll out to our own brand products and signage in-store in the coming weeks.

”For the next four weeks, we’ll make a donation to the Red Cross’ Ukrainian Appeal for each pack of own-brand Chicken Kyiv our customers buy, with a goal of raising more than $100,000.”

The updated terminology will be visible immediately on the Woolworths website, and flow to deli signage, print catalogues, product packaging, and more in the weeks ahead. The change will be made to Woolworths Deli and our own brand Chicken Kyiv only.

Chairman of the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations, Stefan Romaniw said: “Woolworths gets it — Ukraine is different to Russia. Ukraine has its own language, its own culture, its own history. That’s why using the Russian spelling for the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, in “Chicken Kiev” has always offended Ukrainians.

“The change being made by Woolworths shows respect for Australian-Ukrainians. It’s also a local action about a global issue. By changing the name of Chicken Kiev to Chicken Kyiv, a major Australian business has shown it stands with Ukraine in support of democracy, decency and peace.”