McDonald's announced on Monday that it has begun the process of selling its Russian operations, which comprise 850 outlets employing 62,000 people, making it the latest large Western corporation to leave Russia since the country invaded Ukraine in February.Holding on to its business in Russia "is no longer tenable, nor is it consistent with McDonald's values," the fast-food giant said, citing the humanitarian situation caused by the conflict.Early in March, the Chicago-based company stated that it would be temporarily closing its stores in Russia, but that employees would be paid. It announced on Monday that it will seek a Russian buyer to hire and pay those personnel until the sale is completed. It was unable to locate a potential purchaser.Employees and hundreds of Russian suppliers were "dedicated and devoted to McDonald's," according to CEO Chris Kempczinski.
"However, we have a duty to our worldwide community and must stay consistent in our principles," Kempczinski said in a statement, "and our dedication to our values implies that the arches can no longer shine there."
McDonald's has indicated it will begin removing golden arches and other symbols and displays bearing the company's name as it tries to sell its stores. It stated that its trademarks will be retained in Russia.Since the invasion began, 227 children have perished, with over 400 more injured, according to the prosecutor's office in Ukraine.
The United States is accused Russia of once again using the United Nations Security Council to spread false information and conspiracy theories about biological weapons in Ukraine in order to divert attention away from its conflict in the country. The Russian charges were labeled "categorically false and absurd" by US deputy ambassador Richard Mills.Russia's military advances in Ukraine are "losing momentum" and "not going as anticipated," according to NATO officials, almost three months after frightening the world by invading Ukraine.
"Russia's horrific assault is losing steam," NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana told reporters in Berlin. "We are confident that with the courage of the Ukrainian people and army, as well as our assistance, Ukraine can win this battle."
Top NATO diplomats met in Berlin on Sunday to discuss more assistance to Ukraine, including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The alliance's expansion to Finland and potentially Sweden was also on the table.
On Sunday, Blinken met with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. More American aid and weapons are on the way, he announced on Twitter.
Russian soldiers also failed to seize territory in eastern Ukraine, although losing diplomatic ground.
Ukraine said it successfully repelled Russian offensives in the east, while Western military officials said Moscow's effort in the region, which began after its forces failed to grab Kyiv, had slowed to a crawl.Russian President Vladimir Putin has teased the use of a nuclear bomb since the invasion of Ukraine was almost complete.
However, most political scientists, nuclear weapons experts, Western diplomats, and long-time Kremlin observers believe he would not use a nuclear weapon to break the deadlock over Russia's stalled attack in Ukraine, which is now in its third month.
"If the battle in Ukraine stays largely an open one between Russian and Ukrainian forces, with the West playing more of a proxy role, I see no likelihood at all," said Dmitri Trenin, former director of the Carnegie Moscow Center think tank.
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