Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
World
Ethan Davies

Coca-Cola suspends its operations in Russia following Ukraine invasion

Coca-Cola has followed in the footsteps of McDonald's and suspended its operations in Russia.

It's in response to the country's ongoing invasion of Ukraine, with a statement from the company saying Coca-Cola 'hearts are with the people' at the centre of the conflict.

It will continue to 'monitor and assess' the developing 'situation'.

READ MORE: Martin Lewis' message to every household earning less than £30,000 per year

"The Coca-Cola Company announced today that it is suspending its business in Russia," a press release from the firm said.

"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."

The decision to withdraw from the world's largest nation follows McDonald's lead earlier today.

In an email to staff today, McDonald's chief executive Chris Kempczinski wrote: "The conflict in Ukraine and the humanitarian crisis in Europe has caused unspeakable suffering to innocent people. As a System, we join the world in condemning aggression and violence and praying for peace."

His message continued: "In recent days, I have spoken with and heard from many in our System about our operations in Russia. The situation is extraordinarily challenging for a global brand like ours, and there are many considerations.

"For 66 years, we have operated with the belief that communities are made better when there’s a McDonald’s nearby.

"In Russia, we employ 62,000 people who have poured their heart and soul into our McDonald’s brand to serve their communities.

"We work with hundreds of local, Russian suppliers and partners who produce the food for our menu and support our brand. And we serve millions of Russian customers each day who count on McDonald’s.

"In the thirty-plus years that McDonald’s has operated in Russia, we’ve become an essential part of the 850 communities in which we operate.

"At the same time, our values mean we cannot ignore the needless human suffering unfolding in Ukraine."

FOLLOW THE LATEST UKRAINE WAR DEVELOPMENTS HERE

READ MORE MONEY SAVING TIPS: Martin Lewis warns there are three things everyone must do before April 1

READ MORE: Driver slapped with £100 fine three MONTHS after parking 'completely normally' at Bury shopping park

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.