McDonald’s dismisses speculation over possible return to Russia, reaffirms stance on Ukraine
Exterior view of a McDonald’s restaurant building in Moscow, Russia on June 13, 2018. (Adobe Stock Photo)
U.S.-based fast-food giant McDonald’s has rejected reports suggesting it may return to the Russian market, emphasizing that its recent trademark renewal activities are solely aimed at protecting its intellectual property rights.
The clarification was issued on Saturday through a statement shared by the company’s Ukraine office on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Speculation regarding McDonald’s potential re-entry into Russia surfaced following reports in Russian media that the corporation had submitted applications for the re-registration of several trademarks in December 2024.
The news prompted widespread discussion online, raising questions about the company’s future intentions in the country.
In response, McDonald’s representatives stressed that the renewal of trademark ownership is a routine practice conducted worldwide, irrespective of whether the company operates in a particular market.
They underlined that maintaining control over trademarks is essential to safeguarding the brand and preventing unauthorized third-party use.
“Our intellectual property is among our most valuable assets,” McDonald’s said in the statement. “We regularly renew the ownership rights of our trademarks worldwide, even in countries where we no longer operate, to safeguard the brand and prevent third parties from exploiting it.”
McDonald’s ‘remains unchanged’ in Russia-Ukraine war
The company further reaffirmed its commitment to the principles that led to its exit from the Russian market. It stated that it “remains committed to its values” and emphasized that its position regarding Russia’s war against Ukraine “is clear and remains unchanged.”
McDonald’s had finalized the sale of its business operations in Russia nearly two years ago, becoming one of the first major international corporations to withdraw from the country in response to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Before its departure, McDonald’s operated approximately 850 restaurants across Russia, employing around 62,000 people.
The fast-food chain originally exited the Russian market in May 2022, citing its condemnation of Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine as a decisive factor in its withdrawal.
