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.
Uzbekistan could lose up to $1.5 billion if escalating Middle East tensions disrupt vital trade and logistics routes through Iran, putting pressure...
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At least 11 people were killed in Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon on Saturday, among the deadliest since a June ceasefire. Meanwhile, Qatar denied holding Iranian pilots. It said it had found the remains of one pilot after an airspace violation and had contacted Iran to coordinate a handover.
U.S. President Donald Trump says Washington is not seeking an extension of its memorandum of understanding with Iran, claiming the U.S. already controls the Strait of Hormuz through its naval blockade.
Iran has said the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the U.S. fulfils the terms of an interim deal, including lifting the maritime blockade and sanctions and releasing Iran’s frozen assets.
Ukraine has targeted at least 20 Wildberries warehouses across Russia since 18 July, disrupting a major logistics network. Kyiv says the strikes aim to disrupt alleged military-linked supplies, while the attacks have caused billions of dollars in losses and wider economic pressure.
South Korea's presidential Blue House said on Monday it was reviewing U.S. President Donald Trump's comments on scaling back joint military drills. It added that it hoped a favourable relationship between Washington and Pyongyang could lead to meaningful talks.
Britain will continue to support Ukraine “100 per cent” against Russia’s invasion, Prime Minister Andy Burnham said on Tuesday, after Moscow warned London of consequences over reports that British-made drones had been used in strikes on Russian territory.
Russia has summoned Japan’s ambassador to Moscow and delivered a strong protest over what it called “anti-Russian” remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi concerning four disputed islands.
Pakistan is turning to more U.S. crude as disruption around the Strait of Hormuz exposes the risks of its heavy reliance on Gulf energy supplies.
U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) Commander Xavier Brunson visited South Korea's Defence Ministry on Tuesday to discuss plans to scale back the joint Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercise, according to media reports.
European countries are stepping up investment in drones and counter-drone technology as unmanned systems reshape modern warfare, driving demand for new production and capabilities across the continent.
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