McDonald’s became the symbol of glasnost in action more than 30 years ago when it opened its first restaurant in Moscow.

But after temporarily shutting down more than 800 restaurants following the invasion of Ukraine, McDonald’s has decided to leave Russia altogether.

The burger chain will sell its Russia business, saying the “humanitarian crisis caused by the war in Ukraine, and the precipitating unpredictable operating environment, have led McDonald’s to conclude that continued ownership of the business in Russia is no longer tenable, nor is it consistent with McDonald’s values.”

In March, shortly after the war began, McDonald’s followed other Western companies and temporarily shut down its restaurants in Russia.

Once the sale is finalized, the Russian restaurants will be “de-Arched,” meaning the locations will no longer be allowed to use the McDonald’s name, logo or menu. McDonald’s said its employees will still be paid until the transaction closes and that “employees have future employment with any potential buyer.” FULL STORY HERE