McDonald’s has announced that it would depart Russia permanently after more than 30 years and has begun selling its stores.

The company’s 850 stores were temporarily shuttered in March.

The fast-food corporation stated that it took the decision due to the “humanitarian catastrophe” and “unpredictable operational environment” created by the Ukraine conflict.

In 1990, the inauguration of McDonald’s first restaurant in Moscow symbolized a thaw in Cold War hostilities.

The Soviet Union disintegrated a year later, and Russia opened its economy to Western corporations. However, more than three decades later, it is one of an increasing number of firms withdrawing.

“This is a complicated issue that’s without precedent and with profound consequences,” said McDonald’s chief executive Chris Kempczinski in a message to staff and suppliers.

“Some might argue that providing access to food and continuing to employ tens of thousands of ordinary citizens, is surely the right thing to do,” he added.

“But it is impossible to ignore the humanitarian crisis caused by the war in Ukraine. And it is impossible to imagine the Golden Arches representing the same hope and promise that led us to enter the Russian market 32 years ago.”

McDonald’s said it would sell all its sites to a local buyer and would begin the process of “de-arching” the restaurants which involves removing its name, branding, and menu. It will retain its trademarks in Russia.

The chain said its priorities included seeking to ensure its 62,000 employees in Russia continued to be paid until any sale was completed and that they had “future employment with any potential buyer”.

McDonald’s said it would write off a charge of up to $1.4bn (£1.1bn) to cover the exit from its investment.

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