BERLIN, (Reuters) – Puma, a German manufacturer of sportswear, has begun accepting orders for next years from worldwide wholesalers. Some operate in Russia. But the company claimed it is not importing to the country after the invasion of Ukraine.

We have begun the sell-in process for our global wholesale partners in Spring/Summer 2023. Puma sent an emailed statement stating that these are some international partners with businesses in Russia and other countries.

Without providing further details, the company claimed that “these groups purchase products centrally or locally”.

Puma announced in March that Russia was its final destination and it would suspend all operations. It also stated that deliveries had been stopped.

“Currently, PUMA has no intention to import Russian products. The company stated that PUMA’s ability to import Russian products in 2023 will depend on the global environment.