'The criticism comes amid calls for other well-known Western firms such as KFC, Pepsi and Starbucks and Burger King to close their outlets and stop sales in Russia.
However, most firms have stayed silent on the issue with KFC, Pepsi, Starbucks and Burger King also declining to respond to the BBC's requests for comment.
..
Dr Ian Peters, director of the Institute for Business Ethics, told BBC News: "This is not a time to sit on the fence.
"The world is likely to judge companies by what they do in such circumstances, and ethical judgement will be as important as complying with any government-led regulations and sanctions."
He said that most firms would have what they refer to as an "ethical compass" they use to make big decisions.''
Pressure is growing on Western food and drink giants to pull out of Russia due to the invasion of Ukraine.McDonald's and Coca-Cola have been criticised on social media for failing to speak out about the attacks and continuing to operate in the country.
Well-known firms including Netflix and Levi's have already suspended sales or stopped providing services in Russia.
McDonald's and Coca-Cola have not responded to the BBC's request for comment.
#BoycottMcDonalds and #BoycottCocaCola were trending on Twitter on Monday and over the weekend respectively.
Dragon's Den investor Deborah Meaden also spoke out on social media against the fizzy drinks company urging people to stop drinking Coca-Cola.
The criticism comes amid calls for other well-known Western firms such as KFC, Pepsi and Starbucks and Burger King to close their outlets and stop sales in Russia.
However, most firms have stayed silent on the issue with KFC, Pepsi, Starbucks and Burger King also declining to respond to the BBC's requests for comment.
..
Both McDonald's and Pepsi, who have had a presence in Russia for decades, have also been singled out by the boss of New York state's pension fund.
Thomas DiNapoli, comptroller of the New York state common retirement fund, wrote letters to the companies, according to Reuters reports, urging them to review their businesses in Russia because they face "significant and growing legal, compliance, operational, human rights and personnel, and reputational risks".
..
Dr Ian Peters, director of the Institute for Business Ethics, told BBC News: "This is not a time to sit on the fence.
"The world is likely to judge companies by what they do in such circumstances, and ethical judgement will be as important as complying with any government-led regulations and sanctions."
He said that most firms would have what they refer to as an "ethical compass" they use to make big decisions.'
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McDonald's and Coca-Cola boycott calls grow over Russia, March 8, 2022
Context(Complete withdrawal from Ukraine (Crimea and the Donbas)) - UN votes to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and calls for withdrawal