Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is breaking hearts — and stoking anger — around the world. As governments and individuals try to find ways to help the people of Ukraine, corporations also are taking their own stand.
Scores of companies that have done business in Russia for years or even decades now are making a sudden exit. They have decided that the price is too high to keep doing business with a nation that has fast become an international pariah.
Following are some of the largest U.S. companies that are exiting Russia, at least for now.
American Express, Mastercard and Visa
In a call with U.S. lawmakers, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine reportedly requested that U.S.-based Visa and Mastercard suspend operations in Russia. Soon after, the two credit card giants did just that, CBS News reports.
The following day, New York-based American Express followed suit and terminated business operations with Russian ally Belarus as well.
Apple
California-based Apple has suspended all sales in Russia in response to the invasion of Ukraine.
On March 1, the third-biggest company in America said it was halting all exports into its sales channels in Russia. It also limited the use of Apple Pay in the country and removed the opportunity to download Russian state media outlets from the Apple Store outside Russia.
Boeing
Boeing — the world’s largest aerospace company — announced March 1 that it was halting major operations in Moscow.
The Seattle-based manufacturer said it also was “suspending parts, maintenance and technical support services for Russian airlines.”
Coca-Cola and Pepsi
An iconic seller of soda and other beverages, Atlanta-based Coca-Cola can be found in virtually every corner of the world — but no longer in Russia.
In a short statement announcing the suspension of its business in Russia, the company simply said:
“Our hearts are with the people who are enduring unconscionable effects from these tragic events in Ukraine. We will continue to monitor and assess the situation as circumstances evolve.”
Rival soda seller Pepsi — based in Purchase, New York — also is suspending the sale of its beverages in Russia.
Disney
One of the biggest studios in Hollywood and an icon around the world, Disney has announced it will not release films — including the upcoming “Turning Red” from Pixar — in Russia for the time being.
In a statement, the Burbank, California-based company said the “unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and the tragic humanitarian crisis” were behind the decision to halt business in Russia.
ExxonMobil and Shell
Irving, Texas-based oil giant Exxon-Mobil says it is exiting the Sakhalin-1 project, an oil and gas operation on Sakhalin Island in Russia. ExxonMobil operated the project on behalf of an international consortium.
The company — the 10th-largest in the U.S. — also has dropped new investments in Russia, saying “we deplore Russia’s military action that violates the territorial integrity of Ukraine and endangers its people.”
Houston-based Shell is another oil company that has pulled out of Russia.
FedEx and UPS
U.S.-based FedEx and UPS — two of the largest shipping companies in the world — have suspended shipments to Russia.
However, a spokesperson for FedEx told CBS that the company continues “to provide domestic and export service in Russia where conditions allow.”
Ford Motor Co.
Detroit-based Ford says it “has significantly wound down its Russian operations” in recent years and has been focused on commercial van manufacturing and Russian sales through a joint venture. But given the events in Ukraine, the automaker is now suspending those operations in Russia.
In addition, Ford made a $100,000 donation to the Global Giving Ukraine Relief Fund that is earmarked for humanitarian aid to Ukrainians during the invasion.
General Electric
Boston-based General Electric announced it was temporarily suspending support of Russian airlines but did not offer more details.
According to Reuters, GE said its decision was an effort to remain consistent with sanctions imposed by the U.S., UK and European Union.
Google and Meta
Google — owned by Alphabet, the ninth-largest company in the U.S. — has blocked Russian state media from all of its platforms. This includes the Google Play app store.
In addition, the California-based company no longer allows customers of sanctioned Russian banks to use Google Pay.
Meta — formerly known as Facebook and based in Menlo Park, California — also has blocked access to Russian state-controlled outlets across the European Union.
Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson put the brakes on all motorcycle deliveries to Russia. In a statement to Fox Business, the Milwaukee-based company said:
“In light of the crisis in Ukraine, Harley-Davidson has suspended its business in Russia and all shipments of its bikes to the country. Our thoughts continue for the safety of the people of Ukraine and those impacted by the crisis.”
McDonald’s
After being called out on social media for a perceived silence on the issue of Ukraine, Chicago-based McDonald’s announced it was temporarily closing all of its locations in Russia. CNN reports that McDonald’s had 847 locations in Russia as of the end of 2021.
In a statement, McDonald’s noted that it will continue to pay the 62,000 people it employs in Russia who “have poured their heart and soul into our McDonald’s brand to serve their communities.” However, the company went on to say “our values mean we cannot ignore the needless human suffering unfolding in Ukraine.”
Netflix
Netflix has pulled the plug on its service in Russia.
The Los Gatos, California-based company made the announcement after previously saying it was suspending all future projects and acquisitions in Russia.
Nike
Nike has stopped online sales to Russia and temporarily shuttered its stores there.
The Oregon-based company also told Reuters it was donating $1 million to relief efforts through the United Nations Children’s Fund and the International Rescue Committee.
Starbucks
Starbucks has suspended all business operations in Russia, including the shipment of its products.
In a letter to employees, Kevin Johnson, CEO of the famous Seattle-based coffee chain, said:
“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 partners in Russia who depend on Starbucks for their livelihood.”
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