Starbucks is the Latest Company to Exit Russia

MAY 23 2022·Updated JAN 5 2023

Story

Image credit: Getty Images [via Observer]

The Facts

On Mon., Starbucks announced that they would be ending operations in Russia due to the invasion of Ukraine.
Daily Wire
Like other companies, Starbucks closed its 130 locations back in Mar. However, the closure has now become permanent.
Daily Wire
Starbucks has nevertheless agreed to pay its roughly 2K Russian employees for up to six months, while also helping them transition into new job opportunities.
Observer (NY)
The 130 locations total less than 1% of the Starbucks annual revenue. The coffee chain doesn't operate the stores individually but rather licenses each location.
Observer (NY)
Dozens of other Western companies have announced their intent to unwind their investments in Russia. Some companies, such as McDonald's, PepsiCo, and Shell are among firms which must untangle from long-standing and complex deals.
The New York Times
Starbucks' decision to leave the Russian market follows in the footsteps of McDonald's, who announced its decision last week.
ITN

Sources Split

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The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

Starbucks is opting to do the noble thing by abandoning the Russian market. The company has determined that it's more important to uphold democratic values over profit.

New York Post

Establishment-critical narrative

While the mass exodus of businesses from Russia may serve as an important condemnation of Putin, ultimately it's the average Russian people - many of whom do not support the war - that will suffer.

New Yorker