Global feed giant Cargill is scaling back its Russian business but said it will continue to operate what it describes as "essential" food facilities in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

"The people of Ukraine are living an unthinkable and horrifying reality," the company wrote in a press release. "Since their country was invaded, many have lost their lives, their families, their homes – everything."

But Cargill has decided not to pull out altogether, citing food as a basic human right that should never be used as a weapon, the company said.