Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday called for a harsh crackdown on foreign services like Microsoft and Zoom that have announced plans to leave Russia but continue to operate and profit within the country.
Speaking at a business meeting in Moscow, Putin said these companies should be “strangled,” adding, “I say this without embarrassment because they are trying to strangle us.”
Putin also urged Russian citizens to stop using Western services he described as promoting “bad habits.” While he criticized European firms for halting medical equipment deliveries to Russia, he noted that some U.S. companies continue to supply medical gear.
Regarding McDonald’s, which pulled out of Russia following the invasion of Ukraine, Putin was firm: “They put everyone in a difficult position, ran away, and now if they want to come back, should we pave the way for them? Of course not.”
This hardline stance comes amid a wider trend of international companies leaving Russia after its 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Nearly 500 global firms—including major brands like FedEx, Unilever, and IKEA—have fully exited the Russian market due to sanctions, ethical concerns, and reputational risks. Despite this, over 2,200 companies continue to operate in Russia, generating significant revenue and tax income that support the government. Many firms face difficulties in fully divesting their assets, while Western companies remain cautious about returning amid ongoing legal and political uncertainties.
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At Asia's top security summit, the U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth aims to restore confidence among allies amid rising regional competition with China.
Astana just opened a new chapter for financial integration among Turkic states — President Tokayev chaired the first-ever meeting of Central Bank governors from member countries.
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A car drove into crowds of Liverpool fans celebrating the club’s Premier League title in the city centre on Monday evening, injuring dozens including 4 children. A 53-year-old man believed to be the driver was arrested at the scene.
EU ministers have greenlit a massive €150 billion defense investment fund—dubbed the Security Action for Europe (SAFE)—as the bloc ramps up its military readiness in response to Russia’s aggression and growing uncertainty over U.S. security guarantees.
Kyiv faced a large-scale Russian drone and missile assault overnight, with explosions and gunfire echoing throughout the city, forcing residents to shelter in subway stations.
Experts say there is no proof a renewable energy experiment led to the widespread blackout across the Iberian Peninsula in April, as investigations point to a complex grid failure with no single identified cause.
At Asia's top security summit, the U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth aims to restore confidence among allies amid rising regional competition with China.
Alashankou Port in Xinjiang continues to play a vital role in global trade, with freight train traffic to Europe and Central Asia surpassing 3,000 trips this year alone.
Istanbul emerges as the key venue for Russia-Ukraine negotiations, signaling renewed diplomatic efforts between the two countries.
The British government has responded to a U.S. court ruling that blocked President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs, describing it as a domestic matter for Washington but emphasizing that the case remains in its early legal stages.
At Asia's top security summit, the U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth aims to restore confidence among allies amid rising regional competition with China.
Astana just opened a new chapter for financial integration among Turkic states — President Tokayev chaired the first-ever meeting of Central Bank governors from member countries.
Alashankou Port in Xinjiang continues to play a vital role in global trade, with freight train traffic to Europe and Central Asia surpassing 3,000 trips this year alone.
Istanbul emerges as the key venue for Russia-Ukraine negotiations, signaling renewed diplomatic efforts between the two countries.
The British government has responded to a U.S. court ruling that blocked President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs, describing it as a domestic matter for Washington but emphasizing that the case remains in its early legal stages.
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