Several American companies have halted their business ventures with the largest country in Europe in wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, citing various humanitarian reasons.
From a social standpoint, perhaps the most devastating blow to the people of Russia is the loss of their beloved McDonald’s fast-food restaurants. Upon the announcement that McDonald’s would be shutting down 847 of its countrywide locations, Russian citizens have been scrambling to satisfy their fast food fix by any means necessary. According to reports, a man named Luka Safronov refused to accept the notion that he would no longer be able to experience the joy of two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, on a sesame seed bun. So, in an effort to prevent his local McDonalds from closing down, a defiant Safronov chained himself to a Moscow location and refused to leave until the owners reversed their decision.
“Closing down is an act of hostility against me and my fellow citizens!” Safronov reportedly yelled as he was surrounded by authorities and onlookers.
There is still no word on what type of disciplinary action Safronov will face for his outward display of protest but needless to say, he certainly didn’t stop his fellow Russian citizens from rushing into the restaurant to buy up all of the food in stock before the company officially closed its doors in Russia on Monday. According to reports, about 80% of all McDonald’s are corporate-owned. Therefore, Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated that he may open up his own variation of McDonald’s in the future. So, Safronov may not have to wait long before he can select food from a menu similar to the Mcdonald’s restaurant that he has grown to love.
Luka Safronov, son of the artist Nikas Safronov, handcuffed himself to the entrance of McDonald's. pic.twitter.com/WKjmPL9pgc
— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) March 13, 2022