Delivery only: McDonald’s is back in Kyiv, orders coming in thick and fast

McDonald's eateries in Kyiv reopened on Tuesday, a symbol of the war-torn country's return to some sense of normalcy and a show of support after the American fast-food chain pulled out of Russia.

The burger giant closed its Ukrainian restaurants after Russia's invasion nearly seven months ago but has continued to pay more than 10,000 McDonald's employees in the country.

The three restaurants that have reopened in the capital are offering a delivery service only, but there was no shortage of customers on Tuesday as delivery drivers streamed in and out, collecting orders.

As it gradually reopens in Ukraine, McDonald's has sold its 850 restaurants in Russia to a franchise owner.

That came three decades after McDonald's opened its first location in Moscow, becoming a powerful symbol of easing Cold War tensions.

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McDonald's had shuttered hundreds of Russian locations in March, costing the company about $55 million per month.

Selling its Russian restaurants was the first time the company has exited a major market.