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McDonald's restaurant in Kyiv (February 25): Closed after the Russian raid
Photo:
VALENTYN OGIRENKO / REUTERS
The McDonald's branches in Ukraine have been closed since the beginning of the Russian war of aggression – according to the group, this should change soon: the first restaurants should welcome customers again in the coming months, the fast food giant announced on Thursday.
Initially, there will be branches in the capital Kyiv and in western Ukraine - then more restaurants should gradually be added.
The company declined to comment on how many of its 109 locations in Ukraine will reopen.
An exact opening date was not given.
The political leadership in Kyiv reacted promptly to the news.
The head of the presidential office, Andriy Yermak, posted fries and hamburger emojis on Twitter – along with a Ukrainian flag.
Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba described the reopening plan as a "political decision".
Millions of Ukrainians longed for the Big Macs, the 41-year-old wrote on Facebook.
In addition, it is an important signal to the international economy, added Kuleba: »These are jobs and taxes for the Ukrainian budget, the survival of our economy in times of Russian aggression.«
The US group also closed all its branches in neighboring Russia after the start of the war.
McDonald's has since gone out of business there: In May, most of the Russian stores were sold to a licensee, and they have now opened under a different name.
Sol/dpa/Reuters