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.
As Argentina’s unemployment hits a four-year high, the spotlight has turned to the libertarian administration of President Javier Milei, whose sweeping economic reforms are reshaping the country’s social and labour landscape.
US President Donald Trump said Friday that a major deal with Harvard University could be announced soon.
US President Donald Trump rejected the official assessment from his intelligence community that Iran is not currently building a nuclear weapon.
NATO needs to evolve to meet today’s changing world, Italy’s Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said Friday.
Pakistan has nominated U.S. President Donald Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for his "diplomatic role and leadership" during the recent crisis with India.
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance visited military personnel in Los Angeles on Friday following their deployment to the city earlier this month in response to protests triggered by federal immigration enforcement actions.
As Argentina’s unemployment hits a four-year high, the spotlight has turned to the libertarian administration of President Javier Milei, whose sweeping economic reforms are reshaping the country’s social and labour landscape.
South Korea’s chief trade negotiator, Yeo Han-koo, will travel to the United States from June 22 to 27 for a new round of high-level discussions aimed at resolving escalating trade tensions, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on Saturday.
US President Donald Trump said Friday that a major deal with Harvard University could be announced soon.
US President Donald Trump rejected the official assessment from his intelligence community that Iran is not currently building a nuclear weapon.
Iranian missiles struck multiple locations across Israel and neighbouring regions early Friday morning, including a Microsoft office complex, according to emergency responders and local media reports.
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The USS Nimitz is heading to the Middle East amid tensions between Israel and Iran. The U.S. aircraft carrier has a decades-long history in the region, from the 1979 hostage crisis to modern deployments, often serving as a key asset during periods of rising friction with Iran.
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance visited military personnel in Los Angeles on Friday following their deployment to the city earlier this month in response to protests triggered by federal immigration enforcement actions.
As Argentina’s unemployment hits a four-year high, the spotlight has turned to the libertarian administration of President Javier Milei, whose sweeping economic reforms are reshaping the country’s social and labour landscape.
South Korea’s chief trade negotiator, Yeo Han-koo, will travel to the United States from June 22 to 27 for a new round of high-level discussions aimed at resolving escalating trade tensions, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on Saturday.
US President Donald Trump said Friday that a major deal with Harvard University could be announced soon.
US President Donald Trump rejected the official assessment from his intelligence community that Iran is not currently building a nuclear weapon.
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance visited military personnel in Los Angeles on Friday following their deployment to the city earlier this month in response to protests triggered by federal immigration enforcement actions.
As Argentina’s unemployment hits a four-year high, the spotlight has turned to the libertarian administration of President Javier Milei, whose sweeping economic reforms are reshaping the country’s social and labour landscape.
South Korea’s chief trade negotiator, Yeo Han-koo, will travel to the United States from June 22 to 27 for a new round of high-level discussions aimed at resolving escalating trade tensions, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on Saturday.
US President Donald Trump said Friday that a major deal with Harvard University could be announced soon.
US President Donald Trump rejected the official assessment from his intelligence community that Iran is not currently building a nuclear weapon.
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