US fast food giant McDonald’s and hipster cafe Starbucks have officially closed all stores operating in Russia while Coca-Cola suspended sales of its products in response to the brutality of Russia’s attacks and aggression against Ukraine.
McDonald’s
McDonald’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Chris Kempczinski said in a statement that all 847 restaurants operating in Russia were ordered to close in response to sanctions against the Valdimir White government’s actions in attacking and causing deaths in Ukraine.
He also expressed his sympathy to the people of Ukraine affected by the attack.
For the record, as many as 84% of McDonald’s restaurants are operated by the company itself, rather than operated through franchise operators and Russia has contributed over 9% to the company’s revenue in 2021.
Starbucks
Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson has sent a notification notice to all its employees in Russia about the company’s decision to suspend all its business activities in Moscow.
In a statement made by Johnson, he condemned Russia's actions but would still provide support to his company's more than 2,000 employees in the country in a humanitarian response.
Coca-Cola and Pepsi
In addition, 2 of the world’s carbonated beverage giants are also seen imposing sanctions on Russia, where Coca-Cola is suspending its business in Russia.
Pepsi Co, meanwhile, despite restricting the sale of its carbonated beverage series, continues to sell other products such as baby food and dairy products.
