Why Is Yum Brands’ KFC Exiting Russia? Amid growing concerns about the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Yum! Brands (YUM) is close to exiting its KFC business from Russia and is on the verge of finalizing a deal with a local buyer to transfer its restaurants and franchise rights for KFC in Russia. Angered by the recent withdrawal of many multinational firms like McDonald''s (MCD), Starbucks (SBUX), and others, the Russian government aims to protect its economy and will exercise special powers to interject if multinational corporations (MNCs) plan to exit. The new law could also empower it to seize the local assets and sue MNCs for penalties. Headquartered in Kentucky, Yum! Brands, Inc.