McDonald’s temporarily closes all 850 restaurants in Russia

It was time… The American fast-food chain McDonald’s announced on Tuesday that it had decided to temporarily close its 850 restaurants in Russia. It has also decided to suspend all its operations in the country, following in the footsteps of many multinationals that have decided to distance themselves from Moscow.

Employees preserved

The group will continue to pay its 62,000 employees in the country, however, said in a message the general manager of the company Chris Kempczinski. McDonald’s had become a symbol in the United States of the big companies that have so far chosen not to leave Russia, almost two weeks after the invasion of Ukraine. The hashtag #BoycottMcDonalds had recently appeared on social media.

Russia, 9% of group turnover

Russia, where McDonald’s directly manages more than 80% of the restaurants bearing its name, represents 9% of the group’s turnover and 3% of its operating profit. “At the same time, respecting our values ​​means that we cannot ignore the unnecessary human suffering taking place in Ukraine,” he added. McDonald’s “will continue to assess the situation and determine if further action is necessary,” the official said. It is currently “impossible to predict” when restaurants will be able to reopen, Kempczinski also said.