Russians Rush To Get One Final McDonald's Before More Than 800 Restaurants Close

Russians have scrambled to their nearest McDonald's restaurant for one final meal before all the Golden Arches in the country close.

Lines are stretching for nearly a kilometre outside some Macca's places as many are desperate for one last Big Mac.

Video footage is appearing on social media that shows car after car lining up in a Moscow drive-thru.

People in Moscow waiting in line for McDonald's after they announced they would be closing all 847 locations in Russia. #RussiaUkraineCrisis #McDonalds #Moscow pic.twitter.com/CozmFpmexX

— Ukraine Live News (@UkraineLiveNews) March 9, 2022

Other photos show desperate Russians lining up around the block on foot, waiting it out in blisteringly cold temperatures for a cheeky Big Mac.

McDonald's has revealed all 850 restaurants in Russia will temporarily close from March 8. 

The announcement comes after the fast food company faced pressure from social media users to pull out of Russia after the hashtag #BoycottMcDonalds went viral.

Some savvy Russians have also been snapping up the last-remaining burgers so they can sell the food online.

They're flogging cheeseburgers, drinks and Happy Meals for grossly inflated prices.

One person wanted 40,000 rubles (AUD$422/£234) for a selection of three burgers.

As images surface online of the mad rush for Maccas, some are comparing it to the bedlam that broke out when McDonalds first opened in Russia in 1990.

Buy while it's hot

After McDonald's announcement that they were leaving #Russia, people have already started selling their supplies on Internet. pic.twitter.com/DtoWbuZ1If

— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) March 8, 2022

Many people criticised McDonald's, along with other food and drinks firms such as KFC, Starbucks and Coca-Cola, for continuing to operate in Russia after it invaded Ukraine.

McDonald's President and Chief Executive Officer, Chris Kempczinski confirmed the news that it would be closing in a message on social media.

In a message shared to employees and franchisees, CEO Chris Kempczinski shared that McDonald's will temporarily close all restaurants and pause all operations in Russia. Click to read the message in its entirety. https://t.co/g8BXaKxvNj pic.twitter.com/6jt0NnYhKz

— McDonald's Corporation (@McDonaldsCorp) March 8, 2022

The CEO noted there are 'many considerations' to take into account including the 62,000 employees in Russia who have 'poured their heart and soul into our McDonald’s brand to serve their communities'.

Kempczinski assured McDonald's employees in Russia will continue to receive their salary and that the company is prepared to support 'all three legs of the stool in Ukraine and Russia'.

The company will continue monitoring the situation in Ukraine to determine 'if any additional measures are required'.

Although the CEO said it is currently 'impossible to predict' when operations may restart in Russia.