Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, hundreds of U.S. companies have suspended operations in Russia.
Indeed, as of Wednesday, over 300 companies have either partially or fully withdrawn from Russia, including McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo Inc., Starbucks and Disney.
Of the firms halting operations, McDonald’s has one of the largest footprints, with around 850 stores in Russia and 62,000 Russian workers.
The fast-food chain said it would continue to pay its employees while the stores are closed.
“The conflict in Ukraine and the humanitarian crisis in Europe has caused unspeakable suffering to innocent people,” CEO Chris Kempczinski wrote in a letter to employees. “As a system, we join the world in condemning aggression and violence and praying for peace.”
Papa John’s, which was one of the few companies remaining, suspended its operations in Russia on Wednesday. The company has 186 franchised stores in Russia, making up 8 percent of its restaurants globally, The Hill reports.
There are a few dozen U.S. corporations that have not yet suspended operations in Russia. One of the largest on the list is Mars Inc., the company behind M&Ms, Snickers and Skittles. The company is donating $2 million toward humanitarian efforts and is suspending advertising and new investment in Russia, but won’t shut down its existing Russian factories.
“We join the world in supporting the innocent victims of this war and calling for a peaceful resolution immediately,” Mars CEO Grant Reid said in a statement earlier this month.
Microsoft, Google, Netflix, Oracle and others in the technology sphere have also suspended all or most operations in Russia.
