McDonald’s has become the latest company to pause all its operations in Russia amid the invasion of Ukraine.
The move will impact up to 62,000 Russian staff working across 850 different restaurants.
The fast-food chain has also pledged to “support all three legs of the stool”, deciding to continually pay full salaries for its Ukrainian and Russian employees.
Along with this gesture, McDonald’s has donated $5 million (£3.8 million) to its Employee Assistance Fund and will continue to support relief efforts led by the International Red Cross in Ukraine.
The chain’s Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) is also supplying medical care and humanitarian aid in Ukraine and at the Polish-Ukrainian border.
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However, the news comes as many social media users threatened to “#BoycottMcDonalds”, with one angry user calling out the chain for its “immoral” actions.
.@McDonalds and @pizzahut say they will continue to do business in Russia. Their immoral choice, and they should face boycotts at home! Drive past, and #BoycottMcDonalds #boycottpizzahut
— Amy Siskind 🏳️🌈 (@Amy_Siskind) March 8, 2022
Another added: “The people have spoken. #BoycottMcDonalds and our million tiny steps have taken us from A to B. A SHAME it took falling share prices and not a humanitarian crisis to elicit action – but IT IS DONE.”
The people have spoken. #BoycottMcDonalds and our million tiny steps have taken us from A to B. A SHAME it took falling share prices and not a humanitarian crisis to elicit action – but IT IS DONE. #solidarityWithUkraine
— Kate Lindsay (@katalind80) March 9, 2022
“As we move forward, McDonald’s will continue to assess the situation and determine if any additional measures are required,” McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski.
“At this juncture, it’s impossible to predict when we might be able to reopen our restaurants in Russia. We are experiencing disruptions to our supply chain along with other operational impacts.”
“Our number one priority from the start of this crisis has been – and will remain – our people.”
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