Calls for consumers to boycott McDonald's, Coca-Cola and Pepsi have grown as the companies continue to trade in Russia. Apple, Nike and Netflix are among the global brands that have suspended business in the country following its invasion of Ukraine.
The hashtags #BoycottMcDonalds, #BoycottCocaCola and #BoycottPepsi were trending on Twitter over the weekend as the three companies remained largely silent on the crisis in eastern Europe. Political pressure is building for companies to halt Russian operations as the war in Ukraine enters its twelfth day.
The Coca-Cola Company announced last week it was donating €1.55m (£1.28m) to aid charities in Ukraine and surrounding countries but did not mention its business in Russia, adding it would continue to "monitor the situation closely". McDonald's Corporation and PepsiCo have not released statements on the war. All three firms have been approached for comment.
A host of global firms have so far paused trading in Russia, including major brands in the retail, entertainment, technology, energy and finance sectors. Departures over the past few days of social media platform TikTok, accountancy firms KPMG and PwC, and credit card networks Visa, Mastercard and American Express leave Russia looking increasingly isolated.
Private sector boycotts come as Nato members try to step up economic sanctions on Russia and allies of President Vladimir Putin. Calls for greater military intervention from Western leaders – more specifically the creation of a no-fly zone over Ukraine – have been dismissed amid fears of increasing tensions in the region.
Domestically, MPs in Westminster are today expected to pass legislation to streamline the government's ability to sanction wealthy Russian oligarchs. Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said the Economic Crime Bill, which has cross-party support, "will allow us to go faster and harder on those closest to Putin".
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