The American companies Coca-Cola, Pepsi, McDonald’s and Starbucks announced on Tuesday the suspension of their operations in Russia.
The measure was taken by these companies with a global presence in the face of the invasion of Russia to Ukraine, which began two weeks ago.
“Our hearts go out to the people who are enduring the inconceivable effects of these tragic events in Ukraine,” The Coca-Cola Company said in a statement.
The beverage company had faced increasing pressure to withdraw from Russia, with #BoycottCocaCola trending on Twitter in recent days.
Its operations in Russia represent approximately 2% of its global revenues.
Its rival Pepsi informed or in the same way as will stop its operations in Russia.
“We cannot ignore his unnecessary human frying”
The hashtag #BoycottMcDonalds was also a trend on Twitter over the weekend and on Monday.
McDonald’s said this Tuesday that will temporarily close its approximately 850 restaurants in Russia
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The chain of fast food, which has been present in Russia since 1990, said it was “impossible to predict” when it would reopen, adding that it was also experiencing supply chain issues.
McDonald’s informed that continueá payándo your approximately 62. employees in Russia.
“Our values mean that we cannot ignore the unnecessary human suffering in Ukraine,” he said CEO Chris Kempczinski in a memo to staff that was shared publicly.
“The conflict in Ukraine and the humanitarian crisis in Europe have caused untold suffering to innocent people,” Kempczinski wrote.
“As part of a system, we join the world in condemning aggression and violence and praying for peace”, he added.
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The executive said the company had made the decision during last week.
In addition to personnel, the measure will affect hundreds of suppliers and the millions of customers that McDonald’s has in Russia.
Icon of Russian economic openness
McDonald’s established its presence in Moscow in 1200, when the Soviet Union was opening its economy, attracting thousands of people for its hamburgers and fries.
As tensions with the West increased in 2014 due to the annexation of Crimea by Russia, some of its restaurants were closed as part of an investigation into food standards , which many considered politically motivated.
The closure now also has a symbolic weight and it is likely that influence other companies sas.
McDonald’s -which does not own all of its branches in the world but in some cases operates under the franchise mode- is owner of most of its restaurants in Russia.
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McDonald’s also temporarily closed its 108 restaurants in Ukraine, where it continues to pay salaries and donated US$5 million to an employee assistance fund.
The Ronald McDonald House charities will remain active in Ukraine and Russia.
Chain reaction
McDonald’s thus joined a growing list of Western brands that are cutting ties with Russia for its attack on Ukraine.
Starbucks said Tuesday that it will suspend all s business activities in Russia, including shipments of own products.
Its licensee in the country, Alshaya Group, based in Kuwait, will temporarily close more than 100 stores that operate there. You will continue to pay your approximately 2. employees, added.
Dozens of well-known firms, including Netflix and Levi’s, have already suspended sales or stopped providing services in Russia.
Unilever, maker of Marmite, Dove and PG Tips beauty products, among other brands, said it had suspended trade with Russia and planned to stop spending and investing in advertising and media there.
Unilever will, however, continue to supply “everyday essential food and hygiene products” made in Russia.
L’Oreal, the world’s largest cosmetics company, said it will also close its stores and concessions in Russia and suspend sales for Internet.
However, other companies have defended their plans to continue operating in Russia, including Uniqlo owner Tadashi Yanai, who told the Japanese newspaper Nikkei that “clothing is a necessity of life ”.
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