Famous brands Pepsi, Coca-Cola, McDonald’s and Starbucks have announced the closure of stores in Russia after the invasion of Ukraine.
The decision came after Pepsi, Coke, McDonald’s and Starbucks were criticized for continuing to operate in Russia.
Yale Professor Jeffrey Sonnenfeld compiled and published a list of US and non-US companies that left Russia after Vladimir Putin’s invasion.
“Our hearts go out with our deepest condolences to those unknowingly suffering as a result of this tragic incident in Ukraine,” Coca-Cola said in a brief statement Tuesday afternoon.
Meanwhile, Pepsi said it would suspend sales of its Pepsi-Cola, 7UP and Mirinda brands, capital investments and all advertising activities in Russia.
“As a food and beverage company, more than ever, we must stay true to the human side of our business,” Pepsi CEO Ramon Laguarta said in a note to employees audited by CNBC.
McDonald’s announced on Tuesday that it will temporarily close all 850 Russian restaurants. Prior to this, the fast food chain had kept silent about the war, denouncing the aggression, but received harsh criticism from several restaurants that left their places open.