World-renowned fast food brand McDonald’s has announced that it is closing 847 restaurants in Russia.
The closed business includes the first restaurant opened in 1990 in Moscow’s heart, Pushkin Square, which was seen as a symbol of American capitalism after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
According to media reports, the world’s two largest beverage companies Pepsi and Coca Cola have announced the suspension of their business activities in Russia.
Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, several international companies are under increasing online pressure from consumers in the United States and European countries to cut ties with the Moscow government.
“Our hearts go out to those affected by the tragic events in Ukraine,” Coca Cola said in a statement.
Several international companies, including Apple and Visa, have already announced they will close their businesses in Russia.
PepsiCo said in a statement that it was “suspending sales of Pepsi-Cola products in Russia in the wake of the” horrific events in Ukraine, including “Seven Up and Miranda.”
Following the invasion of Ukraine, Western governments and major corporations have taken various measures against Russian President Vladimir Putin, including sanctions.
Apple, Google, Netflix and the advertising group WPP cut off business ties with Russia, increasing consumer pressure on other companies to make similar decisions.
McDonald’s, which has nine percent of its revenue and three percent of its profits from Russia, had previously said it would not close. However, announcing the new decision on Tuesday, he said that the business was being closed temporarily but the salaries of the employees would continue to be paid.