Fast-food giant McDonald's will temporarily close more than 800 stores in Russia to address the "needless human suffering" occurring in Ukraine as a result of the war.

CEO Chris Kempczinski informed employees in an email of the decision to "temporarily close" 850 McDonald's franchise locations in Russia. Kempczinski said 62,000 employees would continue to receive compensation and that the Ronald McDonald House Charities in Russia would stay open.

"The conflict in Ukraine and the humanitarian crisis in Europe has caused unspeakable suffering to innocent people," Kempczinski said in the email. "As a System, we join the world in condemning aggression and violence and praying for peace."

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"The situation is extraordinarily challenging for a global brand like ours, and there are many considerations," Kempczinski added. "For 66 years, we have operated with the belief that communities are made better when there's a McDonald's nearby."

The decision from McDonald's comes amid boycotts of U.S.-based companies — such as Pepsi, Coca-Cola, and McDonald's — that were were still operating in Russia, according to NBC News.

Kempczinski praised the thousands of employees who "have poured their heart and soul" into their work to serve their local communities.

"We work with hundreds of local, Russian supplies and partners who produce the food for our menu and support our brand," Kempczinski said, acknowledging the decision would also affect its business partners and colleagues.

Kempczinski shared how McDonald's has continued to help its Ukrainian employees affected by the full-scale invasion launched by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"We are continuing to pay full salaries for our Ukrainian employees and have donated $5 million to our Employee Assistance Fund, and continue to support relief efforts led by the International Red Cross in the region," Kempczinski said.

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McDonald's and KFC began donating food to Ukrainians in need and the military, according to the Kyiv Independent. McDonald's said on Feb. 27 it would provide water and food such as fruit, eggs, vegetables to local town councils to be distributed to residents.

KFC similarly announced it would open its kitchens to provide food to the military, Ukrainian territorial defense groups, and local hospitals, according to the outlet.