Starbucks Suspends All Activity In Russia Over Ukraine Invasion

Seattle WA

08 March, 2022

4:22 PM

Description

SEATTLE — Starbucks will immediately suspend its operations and shipments to Russia as businesses and governments across the nation take similar actions to ramp up economic pressure in response to the Ukrainian invasion. Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson shared a short letter addressed to the company's partners Tuesday, which will impact hundreds of employees working in Russian stores. "As I communicated Friday, we condemn the horrific attacks on Ukraine by Russia and our hearts go out to all those affected," Johnson wrote. "We continue to watch the tragic events unfold and, today, 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 parents in Russia who depend on Starbucks for their livelihood." As CNBC reports, Starbucks has an estimated 130 locations operating in Russia and Ukraine, which operate under licensing agreements rather than directly by the company. The decision to shutter stores and halt shipments to Russia followed news earlier Tuesday that McDonald's would temporarily close all its locations. Other major companies across the globe that are cutting business ties in Russia include Apple, Spotify and IKEA. Disney and Warner Bros. announced this week they would pause all theatrical releases in the country.