Why Twitter Is Calling For A Boycott Of Coca-Cola, Pepsi, And Other Brands

People worldwide are trying to find ways to support Ukraine as they watch the war with Russia unfold. Good Samaritans are using crowdfunding platforms to raise funds for Ukrainians in need, and companies like Airbnb are providing free housing to refugees, per The Guardian. Individuals are looking to support Ukraine by any means necessary, and for some, that means calling out big businesses that they feel haven't taken a strong enough stance against the invading country — including Pepsi, Coca-Cola, and McDonald's. 

The Independent confirms that two Ukrainian supermarket chains will no longer carry Coca-Cola products as the beverage powerhouse continues to sell its products in Russia. A spokesperson for the Coca-Cola bottling company that controls the distribution of products to Russia and other countries said that the company is committed to the safety of its employees in Russia. Coca-Cola didn't deny the statement, while McDonald's and Pepsi have not commented on the war in Ukraine. 

Hashtags calling for a boycott of Coke, Pepsi, and other industry giants like McDonald's are gaining traction on Twitter. Tristan Snell tweeted, "Coke AND Pepsi are still doing business in Russia. I won't buy ANY of either company's products until they halt operations in Russia and stop supporting Putin's war crimes in Ukraine," threading a list of products manufactured by each company. 

People are taking to Twitter to shame companies like Coca-Cola, Pepsi, McDonald's, and others for continuing business as usual with Russia as it invades the sovereign nation of Ukraine. According to Reuters, New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli composed a letter to multiple companies still conducting business with Russia urging them to pause or end their dealings to condemn the country's "role in fundamentally undermining the international order that is vital to a strong and healthy global economy."

Very few of the companies still conducting business with Russia have made public comments on the situation, leaving an opening for Twitter users to voice their opinions and advocate for boycotts. One user tweeted, "Coca-Cola has decided to stand with Russia instead of the rest of the world. Let's help them understand the error of their ways." Some users are tweeting out lists of the brands owned by beverage giants and which chain restaurants sell Coke and Pepsi products. 

While brands like Stoli Vodka make moves to position themselves against the country, countless tweets implore other companies that maintain their business dealings with Russia to cut ties, or at the very least, make a statement regarding the attack on Ukraine. In the meantime, boycott hashtags are gaining attention and support quickly. One user shared a quote by Desmond Tutu which sums up many of the boycott supporters feelings: "If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor."