The fast-food outlet McDonald’s has announced the permanent closure of its 850 stores in Russia after over 30 years because of the war in Ukraine.
The move is a first for the fast-food chain in its 69 year history. The first McDonald’s in Russia opened in January 1990 in the city of Moscow. The company plans to sell its 850 outlets in Russia and any staff will be given their salary until the new buyer is in place, although the buyer will be unable to use the McDonald’s name, brand, logo or menu.
The fast-food chain has also shut its 108 outlets in Ukraine because of the ongoing conflict.
In a statement regarding the closure which was announced on the company’s website, the Chief Executive of McDonald’s, Chris Kempczinski, said that the issue to withdraw the household name from Russia was “complicated” and “without precedent but with profound consequences.”
Kempczinski added: “It is impossible to ignore the humanitarian crisis caused by the war in Ukraine. And it is impossible to imagine the Golden Arches representing the same hope and promise that led us to enter the Russian market 32 years ago.”
Kempczinski concluded by offering a message of hope to all involved, saying: “Let us not end by saying, ‘goodbye.’ Instead, let us say ‘until we meet again’.”
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