Following calls to boycott the fast food giant, McDonald's has confirmed it will be temporarily closing it's restaurants in Russia.
The move comes in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and pressure from McDonald's customers to pull out of the country.
The burger giant said it will continue paying its 62,000 employees in Russia, but in an open letter to employees, McDonald’s president and CEO Chris Kempckinski said closing the stores is the right thing to do because McDonald’s can’t ignore the “needless human suffering in Ukraine”.
Information recently published its website, McDonald's said it has 847 stores in Russia.
The company owns 84% of its Russian restaurants, whereas across the rest of the world most are typically operated by franchisees.
In a recent financial filing, the company said Russia and Ukraine contributed 9% of the company’s revenue last year.
Calls to boycott McDonalds
Consumers have been urging food and drink giants such as McDonald’s and Coca Cola to cease trading in Russia or face a backlash.
Our silence gives consent. If @McDonalds & @CocaCola refuse to speak or act against Russia's illegal & unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, then we, as consumers, must make ourselves heard! We are all in this together... where do you stand? ✊🇺🇦❤ #BoycottCocaCola #BoycottMcDonalds pic.twitter.com/qorh4YuLqT
— Charlie 🇺🇦 (@charliewagwag) March 7, 2022
The hashtag #BoycottMcDonalds was trending on Twitter on Monday as customers of the fast food chain threatened action if they ignored the calls to pull out off Russia.
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