Vladimir Putin’s horrid decision to invade Ukraine has not only provided the world with plenty of reasons to loathe him, but it has also forced a great many American companies to bow to public pressure in regard to their overseas business.
Putin’s troops are committing genocide. No, that’s not hyperbole; captured Russian officers have made such claims repeatedly. And, as we all know, genocide is bad for business.
Now, after a fiery advocacy campaign finally bent the ear of major corporations everywhere, ordinary Russians will no longer have access to some American staples.
McDonald’s Corporation (MCD) said Tuesday the U.S.-based fast-food giant will temporarily close all restaurants in the country and pause operations in its Russian market. Starbucks (SBUX), Coca-Cola (KO) and PepsiCo (PEP) followed shortly after, heeding to growing criticism over silence on the conflict even as other multinational companies have severed ties with the nation.
“We serve millions of Russian customers each day who count on McDonald’s,” McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski said in a statement. “At the same time, our values mean we cannot ignore the needless human suffering unfolding in Ukraine.”
But also:
The move will shutter all 850 McDonald’s locations in Russia, which employ 62,000 people. However, the company said it will continue to pay salaries for McDonald’s employees in the country.
While NATO’s hands reminded tied due to Putin’s continued nuclear threats, these sort of corporate protests can sure go a long way.
