McDonald’s temporarily closes 850 restaurants in Russia

The fast food chain McDonald’s, created in the United States, announced this Tuesday (8) the temporary closure of 850 restaurants in Russia as a form of protest against the war in Ukraine. In a statement, the company said it will continue to pay the salaries of the 62,000 employees hired in the country, as well as suppliers and other partners.

The McDonald’s network recalled that it has been operating in Russian territory for more than 30 years and that it has “millions” of Russian consumers every day. The company’s note on the closure of franchises was sent to each of the affected establishments and their employees. “As a company, we join the world in condemning aggression and violence, and praying for peace,” reads the statement released by the company.

The text also highlights that the chain’s restaurants in Ukraine were largely unable to function, but that employees’ salaries continue to be paid. McDonald’s and Coca-Cola, another brand traditionally linked to US culture, had been under strong pressure to discontinue activities in Russia.

On Tuesday, Shell announced that it will stop buying oil and gas from Russia and will close “service stations, jet fuel and lubricant operations” in the country. In recent days, other companies from different sectors have announced the suspension of operations and services in Russia.