Ukraine war: Burger King still open in Russia despite pledge to exit
Business
Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, Western companies have been under pressure to leave Russia
(Web Desk) - Burger King remains open as usual in Russia despite the brand's owner pledging to leave more than a year ago.
Restaurant Brands International (RBI), which owns 15% of the fast-food's franchise business in Russia, told the BBC it had "no new updates to share at this time" on its exit.
The firm said in March 2022 that it had started the process to leave Russia.
Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, Western companies have been under pressure to leave Russia.
Critics accused RBI of "sustaining Putin's regime" by failing to ditch its stake in its Russian business.
RBI, one of the world's largest fast-food restaurant companies, has cited its complicated franchise agreement for its difficulty in trying to exit the country.
The deal is a joint venture with three other partners for some 800 restaurants.
David Shear, RBI's president, said in March 2022 that Burger King's main operator in Russia had "refused" to shut the outlets following the first attacks on Ukraine.
But he added that the company had "started the process" to dispose of its 15% ownership stake and that it would take "some time".
