The Counteroffensive with Tim Mak

The Counteroffensive with Tim Mak

Only reliable U.S. aid for Ukraine: McDonald’s

McDonald’s is more than fast food in Ukraine — it’s a small piece of America. Vitalii, who worked there after it reopened during the war, says it also serves as shelter during blackouts and cold.

Anastasiia Kryvoruchenko's avatar
Anastasiia Kryvoruchenko
Jan 17, 2026
∙ Paid

Editor’s Note:

We first started to do a story about McDonald’s after we realized how much of a reaction there was in Ukrainian society when McDonald’s breakfasts resumed during the war.

In recent days, it’s become blisteringly cold – with forecasts this week of lows down to -30° Celsius (-22° F). Help us avoid the temptation to hang out in McDonalds for …

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