The McDonald’s chain in Ukraine has launched a trial scheme for operating during yellow-level air raid alerts. From now on, two restaurants in Poltava and Chernihiv may continue to serve customers provided the monitoring system does not detect an immediate threat to the specific outlet. Should the threat escalate, the restaurants will cease operations and customers will be directed to shelters.
- McDonald’s is trialling operations during yellow air raid alerts in two Ukrainian cities.
- A pilot scheme has been introduced in selected restaurants in Poltava and Chernihiv.
- Service is permitted only where there is no immediate threat to a specific establishment.
- When a red alert is in force, restaurants will close and diners will head for shelters.
McDonald’s is trialling a new scheme in Poltava and Chernihiv
The new operating procedures have been introduced in just two restaurants within the chain. These are the restaurants in Poltava and Chernihiv, which will be the first to test whether they can continue to serve customers during yellow-level air raid alerts.
The company explained that this decision was made possible by amendments to Ukrainian legislation which came into force in September 2026.
To switch to the new mode McDonald's adapted internal security procedures and introduced a system for monitoring air threats in real time.
It allows you to monitor risks specific to a restaurant’s location, rather than relying solely on a general alert for the area.
At the same time yellow level will not, in itself, mean that operations will automatically continue. Operations may only continue provided that monitoring confirms there is no immediate threat.
When will restaurants close?
McDonald’s has identified two circumstances in which service to customers must be suspended.
First — if the monitoring system detects an imminent airborne threat to the relevant location, even at a yellow alert level.
Second — the declaration of a red-level air raid alert, which indicates an increased risk.
In both cases, staff and visitors will be asked to leave the restaurant and proceed to a shelter.
The company emphasises that public safety remains a prerequisite for the operation of its premises. The new mechanism does not remove the need to respond to reports of danger.
What do the yellow and red air raid alert levels mean?
The new system was introduced by Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 1092, which came into force on 4 September 2026. The government subsequently clarified the rules by means of a resolution No. 1128.
According to the document, air threats are categorised into two levels.
Yellow level This is announced in the event of a drone threat. Under the conditions laid down by law, businesses may continue to operate provided they ensure adequate protection for staff and visitors.
Red level This applies in the event of a missile, missile-and-drone or large-scale drone threat. In such circumstances, activities must be suspended and people must take shelter.
The rules apply not only to restaurants but also to other businesses that meet the safety requirements.
UkrMedia previously reported on new rules for businesses, in particular the possibility of using shelters outside the premises and additional time to fit out protective premises.
Will other McDonald’s restaurants remain open during the air-raid alert?
At present, the trial is limited to two restaurants. At all other McDonald’s restaurants in Ukraine, business as usual continues.
When an air-raid alert is sounded, they suspend services, and staff and visitors proceed to the shelters.
In September, the company stated that it was exploring the possibility of adapting to the new notification system, but would not rush to change its security rules.
At the same time, the network faced other consequences of the prolonged air raid alerts. In particular, due to disruptions to logistics, some establishments introduced abbreviated menu, to ensure that the most popular dishes are always available.
The company has not yet announced whether the new operating arrangements will be extended to other restaurants in Ukraine.
At the same time, in accordance with current government requirements, businesses must have suitable shelter facilities in place by 4 December 2026 to enable them to continue operating during yellow-level air raid alerts.
