By Lindsey Klingele for Meatingplace. Used by permission.

McDonald’s announced plans to open 40 new restaurants in Russia over the course of 2008, bringing the number of its units in the country to 233 overall.

The burger giant opened 21 restaurants in Russia in 2006, and has already opened four new units in the country so far this year. McDonald’s also plans to refurbish existing stores in Russia, and has overhauled 10 of its restaurants there for a price tag of $500,000 each.

Khamzat Khasbulatov, the McDonald’s president for Russia and Eastern Europe, said that the company is also planning to add its 24-hour express windows and drive-thru windows to more Russian stores. It is also considering opening McDonald’s units in airports and train stations throughout the country.