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#BoycottMcDonalds and #BoycottCocaCola trend after companies continue to operate in Russia

People are outraged that it's business as usual for multinational companies, like McDonald's, KFC, Coca Cola, Pepsi and Starbucks, operating in Russia

Popular multinationals, like McDonald's, Burger King, KFC, Pepsi, Starbucks, and Coca-Cola, are facing people's fury for continuing to operate in Russia despite Vladimir Putin's war on Ukraine. Other companies, like Apple and Visa, have decided to pause their trade in the country.

Over the weekend, #BoycottMcDonalds and #BoycottCocaCola trended on Twitter as frustrated users expressed their anger. Most of these firms have stayed silent and refused to comment on the escalating situation. In a 2021 article, KFC announced the opening of its 1000th outlet in Russia. On the other hand, McDonald's has 847 stores in Russia as per the data on its website. Kevin Johnson, CEO of Starbucks, described the attacks on Ukraine as "unprovoked" and "unjust" in his statement, but Starbucks outlets are still operating in Russia.

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"Kyiv Diary Day 13: Update BOYCOTT @McDonalds until Vladimir Putin's war stops or they stop making money in Russia," tweeted reporter John Sweeney. "We should all boycott any American companies, or cos operating here, that are still doing business in or with Russia. Make a list to boycott: @Shell @McDonalds @CocaCola @pepsi Which others would you add? #StandWithUkraine️ [yellow heart emoji] [blue heart emoji]," said activist and author Amy Siskind. She further tweeted, "@McDonalds and @pizzahut say they will continue to do business in Russia. Their immoral choice, and they should face boycotts at home! Drive past, and #BoycottMcDonalds #boycottpizzahut."

"McDonalds get 9% of their revenue from Russia where they own 847 outlets. Whilst they continue to profit as Ukrainians are murdered I won't be buying their blood burgers. Spread the word. Boycotts do make a difference. #BoycottMcDonalds," urged a user, while another expressed disappointment saying, "I'm not lovin' it. @McDonalds is continuing to do business as normal in Russia, which means the corporate and sales taxes it pays there DIRECTLY support Putin's illegal and murderous war in Ukraine. #BoycottMcDonalds." A third asked, "Hey @McDonalds and @CocaCola why are you still in Russia? It's time to leave now."

One user said, "Shut it down in Russia ⁦@McDonalds⁩ and ⁦@pepsi⁩ or face boycotts around the world. #BoycottMcDonalds #BoycottPepsi," another added, "Boycott all these companies who are doing business in #Russia: - McDonalds - Burger King - Coca Cola - Pepa John's - Pizza Hut - KFC - Starbucks - Nestle - Deloitte - KPMG." A third questioned, "Disney, Apple, FedEx, and UPS have stopped doing business in Russia. What about McDonalds and Coke and Pepsi — and Starbucks?"

While one user tweeted, "American Fast Food Restaurants Continue in Russia Including: McDonalds Burger King KFC Subway Papa John’s Domino’s We Must Boycott These Companies Until They Pull Out of Russia... #BoycottMcDonalds #BoycottBurgerKing #BoycottKFC #BoycottSubway #BoycottPapaJohns #BoycottDominos," another suggested, "Hey @McDonalds how about closing your doors in Russia right now in solidarity for Ukraine?"

One user reminded others, "Good morning and a reminder not to eat at @McDonalds or @BurgerKing until they cease operations in Russia," another expressed anger, "@McDonalds, are you crazy?? Responsibility means nothing to you?? What are you doing in Russia then? Those people keep saying they hate everything from the US. Are you waiting for them to launch hateful campaigns to stop #MacDonald's on their land? You will see..." A third urged, "Stop your business in Russia! Stop making money on blood of Ukrainian people!!! Ukraine needs your help [blue heart emoji] [yellow heart emoji] @PepsiCo @CocaCola @Starbucks @McDonalds @HP @IKEA".

While one user said, "Can we start to compile a list of western companies still operating in Russia that we can all boycott? I'll start with: @McDonalds @PwC @KPMG @Deloitte @EYPrivate Pretty clear that all these approve of the genocide of Ukraine [Ukrainian flag emoji]," another commented, "Coca-Cola has chosen profit over Ukrainian lives by refusing to withdraw its brands from Russia. FYI: Coca-Cola is not just Coke #BoycottCocaCola," while a third replied, "Day 10 of #russia bombing #ukraine. @McDonalds @kfc @BurgerKing are operating in Russia as usual. RT if you want to put a pressure on!"

Burger King has over 800 outlets in Russia, while Starbucks has 130 outlets in the country. Apart from Apple and Visa, companies like Netflix, Zara, and Jaguar Land Rover have also announced that they will pause ­activities in Russia.