Starbucks to quit Russia, shutting 130 stores 3 months after Ukraine invasion

Starbucks is pulling out of the Russian market.

In a memo to employees on Monday, the Seattle coffee giant said it decided to close its 130 stores and no longer have a brand presence in Russia.

Starbucks said it will continue to pay its nearly 2,000 Russian employees for six months and help them transition to new jobs.

Starbucks’ move follows McDonald’s exit from the Russian market last week. McDonald’s is selling its stores, which are almost all owned by the company, to an existing Russian franchisee. The stores will not be allowed to use McDonald’s name or menu.

Starbucks’ stores are owned and operated by Alshaya Group, a Kuwait-based franchise operator. A spokesperson for Alshaya referred questions to Starbucks on Monday.