The McDonald's statement took the form of an email sent from CEO Chris Kempczinski to McDonald’s employees and franchisees, which stated that the fast food chain would temporarily close all Russian restaurants (approximately 850) and pause operations in the country. "The situation is extraordinarily challenging for a global brand like ours, and there are many considerations," Kempczinski said.
In a message shared to employees and franchisees, CEO Chris Kempczinski shared that McDonald's will temporarily close all restaurants and pause all operations in Russia. Click to read the message in its entirety. https://t.co/g8BXaKxvNj pic.twitter.com/6jt0NnYhKz
— McDonald's Corporation (@McDonaldsCorp) March 8, 2022
"At the same time, our values mean we cannot ignore the needless human suffering unfolding in Ukraine."
Kempczinski added that McDonald's will continue paying full salaries to its Ukrainian employees impacted by the invasion and the company has donated $5m to its Employee Assistance Fund, and will continue to support relief efforts led by the International Red Cross in the region.
Meanwhile, in a short statement published on The Coca-Cola Company's website on Tuesday, the beverage giant said, "The Coca-Cola Company announced today that it is suspending its business in Russia. 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."
In an email from PepsiCo CEO Ramon Laguarta to PepsiCo associates, Laguarta said that while been Pepsi has been operating in Russia for more than 60 years, and has "a place in many Russian homes" given the "horrific events occurring in Ukraine" the company is suspending the sale of Pepsi-Cola, and other global beverage brands in Russia, including 7Up and Mirinda.
PepsiCo will also be suspending capital investments and all advertising and promotional activities in Russia.
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"Our first priority continues to be the safety and security of our fellow Ukrainian associates. We suspended operations in Ukraine to enable our associates to seek safety for themselves and their families, and our dedicated crisis teams in the sector and region continue to closely monitor developments in real time. We are also continuing to provide aid on the ground to assist Ukrainian refugees in neighboring countries.
"Through this dynamic situation, we will continue to make decisions that are true to our mission and values and communicate with transparency," Johnson said.
The group's humanitarian efforts include a $1m donation from the Yum Brands Foundation to the Red Cross to support those affected by the crisis, activating the Yum Disaster Relief Fund to support Ukrainian franchise employees, and matching donations from employees to the following charities providing relief in Ukraine: Unicef, Red Cross, World Food Programme and International Rescue Committee. In addition, its franchisees in the surrounding regions are providing food for refugees.