NOT LOVIN’ IT

No More Big Macs and Coca-Cola for Putin as More U.S. Companies Ditch Russia

McDonald’s and Coca-Cola are the latest U.S. companies to take a stand against the war.

Coca-Cola joined McDonald’s on Tuesday in announcing that they were temporarily suspending business in Russia over the country’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. “Our hearts are with the people who are enduring unconscionable effects from these tragic events in Ukraine,” The Coca-Cola Company said in a brief statement. McDonald’s said it would temporarily shutter 850 restaurants in Russia but would keep paying staff. “The conflict in Ukraine and the humanitarian crisis in Europe has caused unspeakable suffering to innocent people. As a System, we join the world in condemning aggression and violence and praying for peace,” said McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski in a statement. “Our values mean we cannot ignore the needless human suffering unfolding in Ukraine.” Both companies had faced criticism for being slow to take a stand against the invasion, which has included allegations of war crimes. Scores of Western companies, including Netflix, have pulled out of Russia, which is facing worldwide condemnation and a brutal wave of sanctions.