McDonald's Closing All Locations In Russia Amid Ukraine Invasion

CHICAGO, IL — McDonald's announced Tuesday that it will close all its restaurants in Russia in response to the Ukraine invasion. That means nearly 850 Russian locations will temporarily close.

The news came in a company-wide email from CEO Chris Kempczinski, who called the invasion a "humanitarian crisis" causing "unspeakable suffering to innocent people."

Kempczinski said McDonald's "(joins) the world in condemning aggression and violence and praying for peace."

McDonald's will continue paying its 62,000 Russian employees, according to the letter. McDonald's also works with hundreds of local Russian food suppliers.

"We understand the impact this will have on our Russian colleagues and partners, which is why we are prepared to support all three legs of the stool in Ukraine and Russia," Kempczinski said.

The company is paying full salaries to all Ukrainian employees. Kempczinski said McDonald's has also donated $5 million to its Employee Assistance Fund, and continues to support relief efforts led by the International Red Cross in the region.

Joining McDonald's in halting business in Russia are Starbucks, Pepsi and Coca-Cola, according to the Associated Press.