The fast food chain said the halt was a response to the “needless human suffering unfolding in Ukraine”.

The company, which has had a presence in Russia for more than 30 years, said it was “impossible to predict” when it would reopen, adding that it was also experiencing supply chain issues.

McDonald’s said it would continue to pay its roughly 62,000 staff in Russia.

“Our values mean we cannot ignore the needless human suffering unfolding in Ukraine,” chief executive Chris Kempczinski said in a memo to staff that was shared publicly.