If this is all you have to worry about, you are doing ok.
A Russian man chained himself to a McDonald’s location in Moscow in protest to keep the location open amid nationwide closures related to the country’s invasion of Ukraine.
“You know, I’ll find a place to eat, but I’ll feel miserable,” the man said.
McDonald’s announced that it will shutter all 850 stores in Russia in response to President Vladimir Putin’s assault on Ukraine.
The move followed mounting criticism that the fast-food chain failed to act quickly following the nation’s invasion of Ukraine.
CEO Chris Kempczinski sent an email to all its employees and franchisees last week announcing that it will temporarily close all Russian locations.
“The conflict in Ukraine and the humanitarian crisis in Europe has caused unspeakable suffering to innocent people. As a System, we join the world in condemning aggression and violence and praying for peace,” said Kempczinski.
“In Russia, we employ 62,000 people who have poured their heart and soul into our McDonald’s brand to serve their communities. We work with hundreds of local, Russian suppliers and partners who produce the food for our menu and support our brand. And we serve millions of Russian customers each day who count on McDonald’s. In the thirty-plus years that McDonald’s has operated in Russia, we’ve become an essential part of the 850 communities in which we operate.
“At the same time, 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,” said Kempczinski.
On Monday, Russian prosecutors have threatened to arrest leaders of Western companies in Russia who criticize the government or plan to withdraw from the country, The Wall Street Journal reported.
Prosecutors warned leaders of Western companies that they may be subject for arrest after a growing number of businesses have publicly criticized Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and suspended operations in Russia, the WSJ reported, citing people familiar with the matter.
The warnings were directed at companies across several industries including food, technology, clothing and banking. The companies reportedly warned include Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, Procter & Gamble, IBM, and KFC owner Yum Brands, according to the WSJ.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Thursday his support for laws that would nationalize assets of foreign companies that left Russia after the invasion of Ukraine, the WSJ reported. The legislation is intended to prevent further job losses in Russia and increase the Kremlin’s ability to manufacture goods domestically.
Many companies that have elected to suspend operations in Russia say the move is temporary, while some added their decision was necessary due to the disruptions sanctions had on supply chain issues.
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