McDonald’s also joined the companies that decided to withdraw from the country after Russia launched an attack on Ukraine. McDonald’s, a fast food restaurant chain, one of the symbols of American culture, announced that it has decided to withdraw from Russia, where it has been operating for 32 years, and will sell its branches there.
In a statement made by McDonald’s, which plans to sell its businesses to a local investor, it was stated that employees in Russia will continue to receive their salaries until the branches are closed.
McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski said in a statement to the US press that it was not easy to make this decision, “Some may think that providing access to food and continuing to employ tens of thousands of ordinary citizens is the right thing to do. “But it is impossible to ignore the humanitarian crisis caused by the war in Ukraine,” he said.
Many brands and restaurant chains have decided to stop their activities in Russia partially or completely, but only a few brands have announced that they will withdraw from the country completely. McDonald’s also announced in March that it would temporarily cease operations, but many employees and activists pressured the brand to withdraw from the country altogether.
After the sale of McDonald’s restaurants, it was stated that the brand and logo could no longer be used.
US-based McDonald’s has 39 thousand restaurants in more than 100 countries.
