I remember back when restrictions gradually started to be lifted in this country after the lockdowns and people were travelling hundreds of miles to visit the only McDonald’s that was open and being absolutely amazed by it, but it turns out that the love of the Golden Arches isn’t just restricted to this country.

Images VIA

Everyone is well aware of the situation in Ukraine at the moment, but I’m not sure how many of us knew that McDonald’s had shut down their whole operation in the country because of it. Things are looking up though, as they started offering food via delivery on September 20th in Kyiv and last weekend they opened up their flagship stores in the capital once again.

Just like over here, queues stretched around the block as Ukrainians were reunited with their Filet O Fishes and Big Macs. Paul Pomroy, McDonald’s senior vice-president, said the following:

We’ve become convinced that our reopening will return a small, albeit important, sense of normalcy to Ukraine.

Ukraine’s leaders have said that returning to work is the best way for foreign companies to support the local economy and the Ukrainian nation.

That’s positive I suppose, as recent key victories for Ukrainian troops in strategic southern Kherson region have also seen the mood in the country improve. Russia still occupies 15% of Ukrainian land though, so it’s far from over.

Crucially, there are no McDonald’s in Russia any more though so Ukrainians can now laud the fact that they’re able to eat Big Macs and Chicken McNuggets over their enemies. I realise that’s a bit of a dumb statement in light of the reality of the situation over there, but it’s pretty much what Paul Pomroy was saying so I don’t feel too stupid reiterating it. I guess this is how warfare works in the 21st century?

For more of the same, check out this fifty strong gang storming McDonald’s and stealing all the food. People just love McDonald’s!