PepsiCo as well. Very good. I was messaging both of those companies repeatedly and hopefully a lot of others did as well. All the Russians past a certain age will agree, that's a very big move, symbolically. Pepsi and McD were the first two big Western brands into Russia, and symbolized openness and freedom. Obviously reverse symbolism now.
Coke came later. Pepsi was in the 70s. I was still in Russia and that taste was taste of freedom. McD came later - 1990 - but that opening of the first McD in Russia was huge.
@terr, thanks for posting. “When I smile, they think I am laughing at them” Lol. Does anyone think closing food places for regular people is an example of misguided political correctness?
I don't. Russia is a rogue pariah state. Rogue pariah states need to be isolated. If you're unfortunate enough to be a citizen of such a state, you have three choices. 1. Work hard to make it stop being a rogue pariah state (tiny minority takes this route) 2. Leave (more people take that route) 3. Stay, suffer, and whine about the unfairness of it all. (most people)
puhleeeze.... the government calls you on the phone and wants you to close your business in russia. hundreds of millions in revenue (and disruption in operations) is at stake. you get a bailout, or something in return, from complying with this government request. which means you and i as taxpayers will make up the loss for these "exciting" developments. if you're not "at the table" when the deal is done, you're "what's on the menu".
As a former citizen of such a state, #3 is unfortunately the only reality for most. Which leads to option #4 : Join the establishment and fight the “empire of lies”