McDonald’s has decided to sell its Russia business McDonald's has announced that it will sell its Russian company, just over two months after ceasing operations due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. "Continued ownership of the business in Russia is no longer tenable, nor is it consistent with McDonald's values," the company stated. McDonald's first opened its doors 32 years ago in Russia. In Russia, it has around 800 restaurants and 62,000 employees. The firm stated that it is looking for a local buyer. McDonald's announced Monday that it will sell its Russian company, a little over two months after ceasing operations due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. "McDonald's has concluded that continued ownership of the business in Russia is neither tenable nor compatible with McDonald's values," the firm stated in a statement. During their invasion of Ukraine, Russian forces led by President Vladimir Putin have been accused of a slew of war crimes. McDonald's decision to leave Russia marks the end of an era that promised hope. The brand, which is one of the most well-known icons of American capitalism, established its first restaurant in Russia more than 32 years ago, as the Soviet communist dictatorship crumbled and Western enterprises and ideas infiltrated the Iron Curtain. Hundreds of people would queue to try McDonald's burgers and fries in Moscow's Pushkin Square outlet at the time. According to The Washington Post, a McDonald's commercial tagline in Russia at the time was "If you can't go to America, come to McDonald's in Moscow." McDonald's now operates over 800 outlets in Russia and employs over 62,000 people. Only 15% of its Russian outlets are operated by franchisees, with the remainder owned by the firm. The firm stated that it is looking for a local buyer.
In a statement released Monday, McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski said, "We have a commitment to our worldwide community and must remain firm in our beliefs." "And we can no longer keep the Arches gleaming there because of our dedication to our ideals."