As Russia’s war with Ukraine continues, many companies have made the decision to leave Russia. Many of the countries that are pulling out of the country had spent years investing and creating relationships within Russia, but in order to send a message of disapproval of Russia’s involvement in Ukraine, many notable countries have made the difficult decision to cut off their business in Russia. 

One company that drew headlines when pulling out of Russia is McDonald’s. With over 850 stores in Russia, McDonald’s had an extensive network of stores that all shut down due to Russia’s conflict with Ukraine. In Russia, McDonald’s was a powerful symbol of the west. This was due to it being the first fast food business to open in the nation, leading it to open the doors for other fast food businesses to enter the nation. In a nation that was stricken by poverty and food shortages, McDonald’s was a beacon of opportunity. Now that this notable chain of restaurants is closing, it symbolizes a return to isolationism — the closing of the window to the west. According to the New York Times, some other notable businesses that have pulled out of Russia include Uniqlo, Ikea, Canada Goose, Adidas, Shell, American Express, Starbucks, Netflix, Google, Boeing, and many more.

Even though many companies want to leave Russia, there are still many complications that are making the process of leaving very difficult. Russia is threatening to steal the assets of the companies who leave the country. According to Russian President Vladimir Putin, he has a plan to “bring in outside management and then transfer these companies to those who want to work.” By doing this, Putin hopes to keep jobs available to the Russian people who lost their jobs as a result of business closures. However, this is problematic because it sends a message to the world that in the future Russia is not a safe place to do business.

No matter what the results of the war are, by continuing fighting a war in Ukraine, Russia has been put in a position of great economical harm. As foreign businesses continue to pull out of Russia, Russia has presented itself as a nation that is not safe for businesses. Abigail Lee (10) believes that “The businesses who have chosen to leave Russia have made the right choice. Even though they are losing profits, they are helping the Ukrainian people.” Whether choosing to leave Russia or continue to do business as usual, Russia has positioned itself as a nation that is no longer safely open to western businesses.