Starbucks halts operations in Russia

MOSCOW. March 8 (Interfax) - Starbucks Corp., which owns the world's largest chain of coffee houses, is halting its business in Russia, including exports of its products to the country.

"We continue to watch the tragic events unfold and, today, we have decided to suspend all business activity in Russia, including shipment of all Starbucks products. Our licensed partner has agreed to immediately pause store operations and will provide support to the nearly 2,000 partners in Russia who depend on Starbucks for their livelihood," Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson said in a letter on Tuesday.

In Russia, Starbucks runs 130 coffee houses managed by its Russian partner, Kofe Sirena. The first Starbucks outlet in Russia was opened in 2007.