Gov. Greg Abbott has requested Texas businesses to remove Russian products in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Boiling tension between Russia and its neighbor to the southwest came to a head on Feb. 24 when Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a "military operation" in eastern Ukraine, where rebel strongholds loyal to Moscow are located.
Almost a week later, the Ukrainian military has countered the Russians in the air and on the ground as civilians seek safety in neighboring countries.
The U.S. and its allies have assisted Ukraine by imposing tough sanctions on Russia, as well as sending Kyiv money and weapons.
Abbott, a Republican, reached out to the Texas Restaurant Association and Texas Package Stores Association, Austin ABC affiliate KVUE reported.
His request follows a nationwide boycott on Russian vodka implemented by businesses in other states.
The act is more of a symbolic one at best, according to the station.
"Texas stands with Ukraine," the governor said in a tweet over the weekend.
Grand Valley State University associate dean and economics professor Paul Isely said sales of Russian vodka generate $41 million annually.
However, Isely said eschewing companies doesn't have a potent impact compared to sanctions.
"That's really small compared to the $1.7 trillion economy in Russia, but for a company that can be very big so if we were to decrease the units sold, it would affect the profitability of those companies and affect their willingness to support [the conflict]," Isely told Grand Rapids, Michigan, ABC affiliate WZZM, a sister station of KVUE.
Texas Restaurant Association president and CEO Emily Williams Knight said that her organization stands in solidarity with Ukraine and emphasized that Russian-Americans, immigrants and people of Russia aren't the enemy.
"We join in the global prayers for peace and safety in this troubling time. We stand united with all who oppose the violence in Ukraine," she told Business Insider.