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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
World
Elly Blake

Starbucks and Coca-Cola become latest big brands to suspend business in Russia

Starbucks and Coca-Cola are the latest big brands to announce they are suspending business operations in Russia as the invasion entered its 13th day.

The companies joined McDonald’s in announcing similar decisions to halt work in the country on Tuesday.

Starbucks said it was suspending all business activity in Russia including shipment of all its products.

In a letter to partners, chief executive Kevin Johnson wrote: “As I communicated Friday, we condemn the horrific attacks on Ukraine by Russia and our hearts go out to all those affected.

“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. Thank you for the care and concern you are sharing with me and your leaders.”

Less than an hour later, Coca-Cola also said it would suspend business in Russia.

The soft drinks giant said in a statement that “our hearts are with the people who are enduring unconscionable effects from these tragic events in Ukraine”.

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

McDonald’s, Starbucks and Coca-Cola were among those criticised on social media for failing to speak out about the attacks and continuing to operate in the country, with many threatening to boycott it unless it took action.

The fizzy drinks company had been facing mounting pressure from customers to pull out of Russia, with #BoycottCocaCola trending on Twitter over the last few days.

Earlier on Tuesday, fast food giant McDonald's announced all 850 of its restaurants in Russia will temporarily shut - but it will continue to pay the 62,000 people who work for them there.

It said in a statement: “Our values mean we cannot ignore the needless human suffering unfolding in Ukraine.

“Years ago, when confronted with his own difficult decision, Fred Turner explained his approach quite simply: “Do the right thing.”

“That philosophy is enshrined as one of our five guiding values, and there are countless examples over the years of McDonald’s Corporation living up to Fred’s simple ideal. Today, is also one of those days.”

Other food and drink firms are also being urged to follow suit or face boycott from customers.

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