The list of companies (especially American), all of the highest rank, which have decided to suspend their activities in Russia due to Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine, is getting longer. The war has been going on for two weeks now and, despite the continuing negotiations for the truce (today the meeting between the foreign ministers of the two countries in Turkey), the end of the conflict seems far away. Hence the list of “giants” decided to leave Moscow is getting longer by the day. The last ones deserve no introduction: they are Coca-Cola, Pepsi, McDonald’s and Starbucks.
Coca-Cola motivated its decision as follows: ” Our hearts are close to the people who are suffering the inconceivable effects of these tragic events in Ukraine ”. ” We will continue to monitor and evaluate the situation – reads a note – as circumstances evolve ”.
The announcement of Pepsi also came shortly after. The giant will suspend all sales in Russia, as well as capital investments, advertising and promotional activities. The company will also halt operations in Ukraine to allow employees to seek safety as the war escalates in the country. CEO Ramon Laguarta recalls that PepsiCo “has been operating in Russia for more than 60 years. It entered the market at the height of the Cold War, helping to create common ground between the United States and the Soviet Union. However, given the horrific events that have taken place. in Ukraine, we announce the suspension of the sale of Pepsi-Cola and our global beverage brands in Russia, including 7Up and Mirinda. We will also suspend capital investments and all advertising and promotional activities in Russia. ” Note.
As mentioned, Starbucks has also announced that all its commercial activities in Russia will be suspended, including the shipment of its products and its bars operated by third parties. “We condemn Russia’s horrific attacks in Ukraine and stand in solidarity with all those affected – said Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson – We continue to monitor the tragic events and today we have decided to suspend all activities in Russia, including the shipment of all. Starbucks products “.
McDonald’s closes its 850 stores in Russia after pressing on social media: “We will continue to pay the 62 thousand employees”– McDonald’s has also decided to temporarily close 850 of its stores in Russia. The choice is the reflection of a pressure on social media that has almost led customers to boycott. The hashtag #BoycottMcDonalds was in fact trending on Twitter over the past weekend. Moscow and Kiev contributed 9% to the annual revenue of the American giant: about 2 billion dollars. Unlike other fast food restaurants in Russia that are owned by franchisees – including KFC, Pizza Hut, and Burger King – McDonald’s owns 84% of its Russian locations. The burger giant said it will continue to pay its 62,000 employees in Russia “who have put their heart and soul into our McDonald’s brand,” but in an open letter to employees, McDonald’s president and CEO Chris Kempckinski said closing is the right thing to do for now. “Our values mean that we cannot ignore the unnecessary human suffering in Ukraine,” said Kempczinski, explaining that it is impossible to know when the company will be able to reopen.
Beer giants and Sony are also suspending sales in Russia – Moscow not only greets burgers, drinks and cappuccinos, but also beer and video games. The suspension of sales was also announced by Heineken and Carlsberg , two world beer giants. In particular, Carlsberg will also cease the advertising campaigns active in Russia and devolve the profits collected on the market. On the other hand, work will be guaranteed for the 8,400 employees active in the eight Baltika Brewer breweries, based in St. Petersburg, under the Carlsberg brand, which “will continue to operate as a separate company”. Sony, on the other hand, has decided to stop the sale of the PlayStation. The Japanese game house has also decided to donate $ 2 million to UNHCR and Save the Children to support the victims of the war.