McDonald's tests 'yellow alert' operations in Poltava, Chernihiv

McDonald's Ukraine is conducting tests for operations during yellow-level air raid alerts at two locations in Poltava and Chernihiv, according to the company's press service. Since September, Ukrainian law has permitted businesses to operate during such alerts, provided they adhere to safety guidelines. McDonald's has updated its procedures to align with these requirements and installed a real-time system for monitoring air threats at these locations.

During yellow-level alerts, restaurants will remain open only if the monitoring data confirms no immediate danger to the site. Should a threat emerge or a red-level alert be issued, operations will halt, and staff and patrons will be directed to a safe shelter. Other McDonald's locations in Ukraine continue to function normally, implementing enhanced safety measures.

The first McDonald's in Ukraine opened in Kyiv in May 1997, and the chain now employs about 11,000 Ukrainians and operates 131 restaurants across 44 cities. Since Russia's invasion began, McDonald's has opened 43 additional locations in Ukraine. In 2025, the company's Ukrainian operations generated UAH 21.3 billion in revenue, a 26.6% increase compared to the same period in 2024, with net profits rising by 21.3% to UAH 1.567 billion.

McDonald's paid UAH 3.5 billion in taxes to the Ukrainian government last year. The fast-food giant is a founding partner and the largest corporate supporter of the Ronald McDonald House Charities in Ukraine, with MCD Europe Limited holding full ownership of McDonald's Ukraine Ltd.