Fast food giant KFC is suspending its operations in Russia as a result of the ongoing war in Ukraine.

There are about 1,000 KFC outlets in Russia with some 100 new locations opening annually. KFC has become very popular in Russia.

Yum Brands, the parent company of KFC, issued a statement which read that it “had suspended all investment and restaurant development in Russia while we continue to assess additional options”.

Here in Jamaica, the Myers family-run Restaurants of Jamaica operates KFC. In Russia, most of the restaurants are owned and operated independently through franchisees.

Yum Brands will now close 70 of its fried chicken restaurants. KFC is the most popular fast food operator in the country.

McDonalds (with 847 restaurants there) Pepsi, Coca-Cola, Starbucks and Heineken have all closed their operations within Russia in solidarity with Ukraine.