People enter a McDonald's restaurant in Moscow, Russia
(Picture: REUTERS)McDonald’s has unveiled its plans to close its doors temporarily in Russia in the wake of Vladimir Putin’s war on Ukraine.
As the war entered the 13th day, the fast food chain revealed it will pause all operations while acknowledging this will have an impact on their Russian colleagues and partners.
The fast food chain has operated in Russia for more than 30 years.
The CEO Chris Kempczinski released a statement: “McDonald’s has decided to temporarily close all our restaurants in Russia and pause all operations in the market.
“We understand the impact this will have on our Russian colleagues and partners, which is why we are prepared to support all three legs of the stool in Ukraine and Russia.”
McDonald’s vowed to continue to pay the salaries for the 62,000 people in Russia they employ but they said they could not ignore the “needless human suffering unfolding in Ukraine”.
They said the employees in Russia “have poured their hearts and souls into our McDonald’s brand to serve their communities”.
It added: “Our values mean we cannot ignore the needless human suffering unfolding in Ukraine.
“Years ago, when confronted with his own difficult decision, Fred Turner explained his approach quite simply: “Do the right thing.”
“That philosophy is enshrined as one of our five guiding values, and there are countless examples over the years of McDonald’s Corporation living up to Fred’s simple ideal. Today, is also one of those days.”
The CEO’s message was first sent via email to McDonald’s employees and franchisees.
McDonald’s added: “Our number one priority from the start of this crisis has been – and will remain – our people.”
