MOSCOW – Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 26 issued a stern warning to Western companies still operating in Russia, threatening to “throttle” any firm perceived to be acting against the country’s interests. The declaration came during a meeting with local entrepreneurs, as the Kremlin steps up efforts to develop domestic software alternatives and lessen reliance on foreign technology.
Putin’s remarks were in direct response to a businessman’s call for stronger restrictions on US tech giants like Zoom and Microsoft, which continue to offer limited services in Russia. “We need to throttle them. I completely agree, and I say this without hesitation,” Putin said, accusing these firms of undermining Russia while benefiting from access to its market.
Despite waves of Western sanctions following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, some foreign companies have maintained a presence in the country. Putin noted that Russia had provided “the most favourable conditions” for their operations, but claimed that “they are trying to throttle us,” without specifying how.
The Russian government has already made it more difficult for foreign firms to exit the country, imposing legal hurdles and forcing divestitures at discounted prices. The new rhetoric signals a potential escalation in retaliatory measures aimed at tech companies that continue to restrict services. Meanwhile, speculation is growing over a possible return of some Western firms, driven by US President Donald Trump’s efforts to reset relations with Moscow and negotiate a peace deal in Ukraine.
Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund and a key figure in economic diplomacy, said in April that several US companies had expressed interest in re-entering the Russian market. However, no major firm has yet announced a formal return. Many businesses sold assets to local managers under buyback agreements, keeping open the option of a future comeback.
As Moscow seeks greater digital independence, Putin’s remarks underline the increasing politicisation of international commerce and the shrinking space for Western influence in Russia’s tech and business ecosystems.