New York (awp/afp) – The American fast-food chain McDonald’s announced on Tuesday that it had decided to temporarily close its 850 restaurants in Russia and to suspend all its operations in the country, following in the footsteps of many multinationals which have decided to distance themselves from Moscow.
The group will continue to pay its 62,000 employees in the country, however, said in a message the general manager of the company Chris Kempczinski.
McDonald’s had become a symbol in the United States of the big companies that have so far chosen not to leave Russia, almost two weeks after the invasion of Ukraine. The hashtag #BoycottMcDonalds had recently appeared on social media.
“The situation is extraordinarily difficult for a global brand like ours and there are many considerations to take into account”, underlined Mr. Kempczinski in his message, referring to employees, but also suppliers and customers.
Russia, where McDonald’s directly manages more than 80% of the restaurants bearing its name, represents 9% of the group’s turnover and 3% of its operating profit.
“At the same time, respecting our values means that we cannot ignore the unnecessary human suffering taking place in Ukraine,” he added.
McDonald’s “will continue to assess the situation and determine if further action is necessary,” the official said.
It is currently “impossible to predict” when restaurants will be able to reopen, Kempczinski also said: in addition to the humanitarian situation, the group must manage disruptions in its supply chain and other operational problems.
The other large American chains Starbucks, KFC and Pizza Hut in Russia are managed entirely or almost entirely by independent owners under franchise or licence.
Yum! Brands, the parent company of KFC and Pizza Hut, had nevertheless announced Monday evening the suspension of all its investments in the country and had undertaken, like Starbucks, to donate all the profits drawn from its activities in Russia to humanitarian operations. .
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