McDonald’s temporarily pauses operations and shuts restaurants in Russia

In a letter from CEO Chris Kempczinski to McDonald’s employees and franchisees, the fast-food brand announced its intentions to temporarily close down all units in Russia and pause all operations.

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

McDonald’s has also upped its support for all of its Ukrainian employees, and is continuing to pay full salaries as well as donating $5m to the employee relief fund. The brand’s charity, Ronald McDonald House Charities (RHMC) Poland Care Mobile is on the Polish-Ukrainian border to provide medical and humanitarian aid to families and children.

The brand employs over 82,000 people in Russia and has a footprint of 850 stores across the country, and has said that “our values mean we cannot ignore the needless human suffering unfolding in Ukraine.” In consultation with the chairman, Rick Hernandez and the rest of the board, the decision was taken to suspend operations in Russia for the time being.

“Working closely in consultation with our chairman, Rick Hernandez, and the rest of McDonald’s board of directors over the last week, McDonald’s has decided to temporarily close all our restaurants in Russia and pause all operations in the market,” said Kempczinski.

“We understand the impact this will have on our Russian colleagues and partners, which is why we are prepared to support all three legs of the stool in Ukraine and Russia. This includes salary continuation for all McDonald’s employees in Russia.”

However, McDonald’s will continue to support its Russian employees, who can continue to receive their salary. While the brand has made a strong stance on the conflict, it very much plans to re-enter Russia and begin operations again when the situation has cooled down. McDonald’s is also expecting some disruption to its supply and operational chain when it does resume operations once more.