Russian President Vladimir Putin has once again taken aim at major U.S. corporations, calling for a forceful response to their continued presence—or sudden absence—in Russia. In a recent meeting with Russian business leaders, Putin criticized American tech companies like Microsoft and Zoom, urging that they be “strangled” economically, while demanding a stronger push toward building Russian alternatives.
His comments reflect a growing frustration within the Kremlin over the continued influence of foreign companies, despite sanctions and voluntary exits since the war in Ukraine began in 2022.
Putin Demands Action Against U.S. Tech
During a discussion with Russian industry executives, one business leader complained that American tech firms that had supposedly pulled out of the Russian market were still operating in some form. Microsoft, for example, announced it would stop selling products in Russia shortly after the invasion of Ukraine. Zoom, too, has faced criticism in the country for its ties to the West.
Putin didn’t hold back in his response. “We need to strangle them. I completely agree,” he said, according to Turkey’s Anadolu Agency. “I say this without any embarrassment, because they are trying to strangle us. We need to reciprocate.”
His remarks reflect a growing sentiment in the Kremlin that Western sanctions and corporate pullouts are part of a broader campaign to weaken Russia. In response, the government is doubling down on efforts to cut reliance on foreign technologies by encouraging Russian firms to develop local alternatives.
Fast-Food Fallout: McDonald’s Under Fire
Putin didn’t stop at tech firms. He also lashed out at McDonald’s, the iconic American fast-food chain that left Russia in the early days of the Ukraine war. The company had explained its decision by pointing to the humanitarian crisis and ethical concerns over continuing business in Russia.
“It is impossible to ignore the humanitarian crisis caused by the war in Ukraine,” said CEO Chris Kempczinski at the time. “And it is impossible to imagine the Golden Arches representing the same hope and promise that led us to enter the Russian market 32 years ago.”
But Putin sees it differently. He accused McDonald’s of turning its back on Russian partners and workers. “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,” he declared.
His comments signal a tougher stance against Western brands that left the country, particularly those that might be considering a return. Last month, McDonald’s reiterated in a letter to a Ukrainian advocacy group that it has no plans to resume operations in Russia.
The Cost of Corporate Departures
Putin also voiced concern over how the departure of multinational companies has affected the Russian economy. He described their exits as acts driven by “political pressures” that disrupted longstanding partnerships and left many Russian businesses scrambling.
“Some companies left their Russian partners in a difficult situation,” he said, suggesting that these actions were not just business decisions, but politically motivated moves aligned with broader Western strategies.
Since the Ukraine conflict began, Russia has been pursuing an aggressive policy of “import substitution,” urging domestic firms to develop products and services to replace those once provided by Western companies. However, the results have been uneven. While some sectors have adapted, others have struggled to maintain quality and innovation.
Trump’s Unexpected Rebuke
Putin’s hardline rhetoric came just one day after former U.S. President Donald Trump sharply criticized him on Truth Social. In an unusually direct statement, Trump said Putin had gone “absolutely CRAZY,” condemning his relentless attacks on Ukrainian civilians.
“He is needlessly killing a lot of people, and I’m not just talking about soldiers,” Trump wrote. “Missiles and drones are being shot into cities in Ukraine, for no reason whatsoever.”
Trump also repeated his long-standing view that Putin’s ultimate goal is to seize all of Ukraine. “If he does, it will lead to the downfall of Russia!” he warned.
The former president’s comments marked a rare moment of unequivocal condemnation. Trump has previously faced criticism for appearing too conciliatory toward Putin, making this shift particularly notable as the 2024 U.S. election season heats up.
Russia’s Economic Path: Isolation or Independence?
Putin’s latest remarks make it clear: Russia is not looking to mend ties with the West anytime soon. Instead, the Kremlin appears committed to economic isolation, framed as independence. The strategy is rooted in a belief that Western companies are not just business entities, but instruments of political leverage.
Since 2022, Russia has attempted to present itself as resilient in the face of Western aggression. But the reality on the ground is complex. Sanctions have cut off access to critical technologies, reduced foreign investment, and weakened key sectors of the economy.
Despite that, Putin is using this moment to rally domestic businesses and citizens. His message is consistent: the West is trying to choke Russia, and the only path forward is to rely on Russian strength, ingenuity, and resources.
