McDonald’s, the iconic fast-food giant, has announced plans to open 10 new restaurants in Ukraine in 2025, a move that signals increasing optimism about the country’s economic resilience despite the continuing conflict. According to reports from the New York Times, this expansion will push the total number of McDonald’s locations in Ukraine to nearly 120, which is more than the number that were operating before the Russian invasion. The decision has been hailed as an indicator of confidence in Ukraine’s wartime economy, which is experiencing a gradual revival. The company previously suspended operations in Ukraine following the full-scale invasion in 2022, but has since started to reopen various outlets. This recent expansion marks a significant step forward in rebuilding McDonald’s presence in the country.
Viktor Mykyta, who serves as a top economic adviser to President Volodymyr Zelensky, has underscored the importance of McDonald’s decision, stating that it demonstrates the potential for economic recovery and the capacity of Ukrainian businesses to operate despite ongoing challenges. Mykyta, who previously held the position of Governor of Ukraine’s Zakarpattia Oblast, noted that the presence of large corporations like McDonald’s reinforces the notion that investment in the country can be viable, thus attracting other international businesses. Furthermore, the expansion of McDonald’s is expected to create job opportunities and contribute to the economy through tax revenues. In 2024, McDonald’s paid over $60 million in taxes in Ukraine, making it the country’s largest taxpayer in the fast-food sector. This significant contribution is part of a broader picture of economic recovery, as the Ukrainian economy is projected to grow by 3.3% this year, according to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
Despite these positive developments, the Ukrainian economy continues to face substantial challenges, including the impact of Russian attacks on energy infrastructure and labor shortages. The EBRD had initially projected a growth rate of over 4%, but this was revised downward due to the economic pressures. Nevertheless, the return of Western businesses such as Ikea, H&M, and Zara has shown that the Ukrainian market is gradually recovering. Other businesses have also followed suit, indicating a shift towards stabilization and recovery. Even as Ukraine strives to rebuild its economic foundations, McDonald’s has adapted to the conflict’s conditions. For instance, following a Russian missile strike on Kyiv, which damaged the country’s oldest McDonald’s location, the company has made adjustments, such as suspending the breakfast menu in many outlets due to concerns over air raids. However, in March 2025, McDonald’s relaunched its breakfast menu in six locations as part of its efforts to resume normal operations. McDonald’s has also completely exited the Russian market after closing all its restaurants there in 2022, following the war’s onset.
As Ukraine continues to navigate the complexities of war and economic rebuilding, McDonald’s expansion is seen as a testament to the resilience of both the business and the nation. The presence of international corporations in the country not only highlights the economic potential of Ukraine but also underscores the international community’s confidence in the long-term viability of its markets. This growing confidence may have a financial impact, potentially encouraging further investment and aiding the recovery process. While the challenges remain, the gradual return of major global brands like McDonald’s suggests that Ukraine is making progress in its efforts to restore and strengthen its economy despite the ongoing conflict.