After 32 years, McDonald’s plans to sell its Russia business.

McDonald's, an icon of U.S. lifestyle and capitalism, is selling its Russia business as it looks to leave the country completely.

The brand's growth across the world became the symbol of globalism and even the basis of a peace theory. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has forced many companies that hoped to operate as normal to take action.

Many brands and restaurant chains have paused their operations in Russia due to growing employee and consumer pressure. Concerns over the welfare of employees and the difficulties of re-entering after a departure are some of the reasons that few have left. McDonald's said in March that it would temporarily close its operations there, as did several other chains. Many employees and activists want a full retrenchment.

Chris Kempczinski, the chief executive of McDonald's, wrote in a message to franchises, employees and suppliers that this is a complicated issue with profound consequences.

Some might argue that providing access to food and continuing to employ tens of thousands of ordinary citizens is the right thing to do. It is impossible to ignore the humanitarian crisis caused by the war in Ukraine. It is impossible to imagine the Golden Arches representing the same hope and promise that led us to enter the Russian market.

McDonald's plans to sell its business. The restaurants will no longer use the McDonald's name, logo or branding. McDonald's said in a statement that it wants to make sure the employees of McDonald's in Russia are paid until the close of any transaction and that they have future employment with any potential buyer.

McDonald said in the statement that Russia will record a write-off of up to $1.4 billion and recognize foreign currency translation losses.

McDonald's entree into Russia began at the 1976 Olympics in Montreal, according to a memo written by Mr. Kempczinski. McDonald's opened in Moscow in 1990.

In the history of McDonald's, it was one of the proudest and most exciting achievements.

McDonald's has invested billions of dollars in its supply chain and restaurants in Russia.

It was not an easy decision, given the size of our business and the current challenges of operating in Russia, Mr. Kempczinski wrote.