Coca-Cola, Starbucks and McDonald’s suspend operations in Russia

Coca-Cola, Starbucks, and McDonald’s have suspended operations in Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine.

The three major brands all announced the move within hours of each other on Tuesday.

In a statement posted to its website, Starbucks announced it is “suspending all business activity in Russia”.

The company said that its partner, Alshaya Group, which operates more than 100 cafes in Russia, will “provide support to nearly 2,000 partners in Russia who depend on Starbucks for their livelihood”.

Starbucks chief executive Kevin Johnson said in a statement posted on the website that the company condemns “the horrific attacks on Ukraine by Russia and our hearts go out to all those affected”.

He said: “We continue to watch the tragic events unfold and, today, we have decided to suspend all business activity in Russia, including shipment of all Starbucks products.

“Our licensed partner has agreed to immediately pause store operations and will provide support to the nearly 2,000 partners in Russia who depend on Starbucks for their livelihood.

“Through this dynamic situation, we will continue to make decisions that are true to our mission and values and communicate with transparency.”

It came just hours after McDonald’s announced the temporary closure of all restaurants in Russia in 850 different communities.

In an article shared to the fast food giant’s website on Tuesday – which was originally sent to employees and franchisees by email – CEO Chris Kempczinski said: “The conflict in Ukraine and the humanitarian crisis in Europe has caused unspeakable suffering to innocent people.”

Mr Kempczinski said it would continue to pay the 62,000 employees in Russia although the company “cannot ignore the needless human suffering unfolding in Ukraine”.

He said: “McDonald’s has decided to temporarily close all our restaurants in Russia and pause all operations in the market.

“We understand the impact this will have on our Russian colleagues and partners, which is why we are prepared to support all three legs of the stool in Ukraine and Russia.

“This includes salary continuation for all McDonald’s employees in Russia.”

Coca-Cola later announced it would also be suspending its business in Russia.

In a statement on the company website, the drinks giant said: “The Coca-Cola Company announced today that it is suspending its business in Russia.

“Our hearts are with the people who are enduring unconscionable effects from these tragic events in Ukraine.

“We will continue to monitor and assess the situation as circumstances evolve.”