Ukraine-Russia war: huge queues after McDonald’s reopens in Kiev

It seems that many Ukrainians crave a Big Mac (Photo: Rex)

Ukrainians are pictured queuing through streets after McDonald’s finally reopens in the war-torn capital.

Hundreds of McDonald’s restaurants across the country had to close when Russian troops invaded in February.

Big Mac enthusiasts have been able to order home deliveries in Kiev since September 20.

Another big step was taken on Saturday when walk-in services became available in the area.

Many will view the reopening as a sign of hope as Ukrainian troops make some gains after a dismal seven months of fighting.

In the latest breakthrough, Ukrainian forces penetrated Moscow’s defenses in the strategic southern Kherson region — one of four areas in Ukraine that Russia is in the process of annexation.

Kiev’s forces also consolidated gains in the east and other major battlefields, restoring Ukrainian control, just as Vladimir Putin faces problems with manpower, weapons, troop morale and logistics.

But Russia still occupies about 15% of Ukraine — and while McDonald’s reopening may spark some sense of normalcy, the company has plans in place for the Kremlin air strikes.

Women sit with takeaway food next to a large line in front of McDonald’s in Kiev (Photo: Oleksii Chumachenko/SOPA Images/Shutterstock)

Points of sale have automatic audio systems that notify customers of any impending danger.

Customers will be asked to vacate the premises if an air raid siren is activated.

Paul Pomroy, McDonald’s senior vice president, said: “We have become confident that our reopening will restore a small, albeit important, sense of normalcy to Ukraine.

“Ukraine leaders have said that going back to work is the best way for foreign companies to support the local economy and the Ukrainian nation.”

Russians still don’t have McDonald’s after corporate bosses joined many other Western brands in a war boycott early this year.

Restaurants were sold to a Russian businessman, who reopened a number of stores under the name ‘Vkusno i Tochka’, which means ‘Tasty and ready’.

McDonald’s operations in Russia accounted for about 9% of annual sales, equivalent to £1.48 billion.

Contact our news team by sending an email to: [email protected].

For more stories like this, check our news page.