McDonald’s to temporarily shut 850 restaurants in Russia

New York, Mar 8 (EFE).- McDonald’s is to temporarily shut down 850 restaurants in Russia, the United States fast-food chain announced on Tuesday nearly two weeks after president Vladimir Putin launched his invasion of Ukraine.

“We cannot ignore the needless human suffering unfolding in Ukraine,” the company, a symbol of American culture, said in a statement.

The company will continue to pay the salaries of its 62,000 employees in Russia, suppliers and other stakeholders, the statement added.

McDonald’s pointed out that it has been operating in the country for over 30 years, serving “millions of Russian customers each day.”

“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,” it added.

McDonald’s and Coca Cola have been coming under increasing pressure to halt their activity in Russia, following in the footsteps of other companies such as Nike, Apple and Microsoft. EFE

fjo/ta/jt