Starbucks cup.Photo: Getty
Starbucks, Coca-Cola and Pepsi are all joining McDonald’s in suspending sales in Russia, each company announced Tuesday.
As a result, the company added, “we have decided to suspend all business activity in Russia, including shipment of all Starbucks products. Our licensed partner has agreed to immediately pause store operations and will provide support to the nearly 2,000 partners in Russia who depend on Starbucks for their livelihood.”
An earlier statement from the brand stipulated that it will donate any royalties received from business operations in Russia “to humanitarian relief efforts for Ukraine,” among other charitable actions.
Civilian Evacuations Continue In Irpin The Day After Deadly Shelling.Chris McGrath/Getty Images
“However, given the horrific events occurring in Ukraine we are announcing the suspension of the sale of Pepsi-Cola, and our global beverage brands in Russia, including 7Up and Mirinda. We will also be suspending capital investments and all advertising and promotional activities in Russia.”
“By continuing to operate, we will also continue to support the livelihoods of our 20,000 Russian associates and the 40,000 Russian agricultural workers in our supply chain as they face significant challenges and uncertainty ahead,” PepsiCo’s statement added.
As its “first priority continues to be the safety and security of our fellow Ukrainian associates,” the company is also suspending operations in Ukraine “to enable our associates to seek safety for themselves and their families.”
PepsiCo also mentioned its humanitarian efforts in and around the region, donating food, milk and refrigerators to relief organizations, and increased production of foods and beverages in neighboring countries to meet the increased need. It is also donating a total of $4 million to the Red Cross in Poland, World Vision in Romania, the World Food Program, World Central Kitchen and Save the Children.
Coca-Cola’s briefreleasesaid that the company is “suspending its business in Russia.”
“Our hearts are with the people who are enduring unconscionable effects from these tragic events in Ukraine,” it continued.
PEOPLE has reached out to Coca-Cola for further comment and is awaiting a response.
RELATED VIDEO: Little Girl In Ukraine Performs ‘Let It Go’ At Bomb Shelter
The companies join McDonald’s in their corporate moves condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Earlier on Tuesday, the fast-food behemoth announced it was temporarily closing its locations across Russia.
In a letter sent to company employees Tuesday, CEO Chris Kempczinski announced that McDonald’s would “temporarily close all our restaurantsin Russia and pause all operations in the market.”
Russia’sattack on Ukrainecontinues after their forces launched a large-scale invasion on Feb. 24 — the first major land conflict in Europe in decades.
With NATO forces massing in the region around Ukraine, various countries have also pledged aid or military support to the resistance. Ukrainian PresidentVolodymyr Zelenskyycalled for peace talks — so far unsuccessful — while urging his country to fight back.
Putin insists Ukraine has historic ties to Russia and he is acting in the best security interests of his country. Zelenskyy vowed not to bend.
“Nobody is going to break us, we’re strong, we’re Ukrainians,“he told the European Unionin a speech in the early days of the fighting, adding, “Life will win over death. And light will win over darkness.”
source: people.com
