Ikea has temporarily closed all stores and factories across Russia in a move affecting 15,000 workers, becoming the latest in a swathe of western firms to halt operations in the country since it invaded Ukraine. The news prompted a rush of shoppers at the stores due to close.

Production at three manufacturing sites in Russia will also be paused, and all imports and exports in and out of the country and its ally Belarus will be halted.

It was one of several firms announcing the suspension of activities in Russia on Thursday.