McDonald’s is moving ahead with plans to open 10 new locations in Ukraine this year, a step that highlights the continued recovery of the country’s economy despite the ongoing conflict with Russia. The expansion will bring the total number of McDonald’s restaurants in Ukraine to nearly 120—more than were operating before Russia’s full-scale invasion in early 2022.
The fast-food chain initially closed all locations across the country following the outbreak of war but began reopening later that same year. Now, the company’s decision to expand further suggests confidence in Ukraine’s capacity to support business operations, even amid the challenges of wartime.
Viktor Mykyta, a former governor of Zakarpattia Oblast and current economic adviser to President Volodymyr Zelensky, told The New York Times that the move reflects broader progress within the national economy. “If a business like McDonald’s can operate here, it shows any investors that they, too, can confidently work here,” Mykyta said.
Zakarpattia, which previously had no McDonald’s presence, saw two locations open in the spring—one in Uzhhorod and another in Mukachevo. The chain’s entry into this region marks a symbolic step in its broader return to the country.
In 2024, McDonald’s paid over $60 million in taxes in Ukraine, making it the top taxpayer in the restaurant sector. That contribution adds meaningful support to local and national budgets, while the company’s growth also brings new job opportunities.
Ukraine’s economy is forecast to grow by 3.3% this year, according to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Although earlier forecasts were slightly higher, factors such as energy infrastructure attacks and labor shortages have affected momentum.
Nevertheless, several global brands have resumed business in Ukraine, including Ikea, H&M, and Zara, reinforcing the trend of gradual economic restoration. This re-entry by Western companies sends a message that Ukraine’s business environment is once again viable for foreign investment and operations.
Operating during a war, however, is not without difficulties. A Russian missile strike in January 2025 damaged the country’s oldest McDonald’s in Kyiv. Air raid warnings frequently interrupt daily life, leading many locations to suspend breakfast service. As conditions allowed, McDonald’s reintroduced its breakfast menu in six branches this March.
While McDonald’s has been expanding in Ukraine, it exited the Russian market completely in 2022. The company’s departure from Russia and continued engagement in Ukraine reflect both a strategic realignment and a clear choice about where to continue business.
This expansion is about more than fast food—it reflects shifts in global business confidence and a measure of resilience in Ukraine’s economic outlook. The presence of international companies such as McDonald’s may not only provide meals and jobs but also serve as a signal to the global market that Ukraine remains open for commerce despite the ongoing conflict.
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