- Putin has threatened to restrict Western firms still operating in Russia, accusing them of acting against national interests.
- He urged the development of Russian-made software to reduce reliance on foreign technology.
What happened: Putin warns Western tech firms in Russia
Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that Western companies such as Microsoft and Zoom, which continue to operate in Russia despite earlier commitments to exit, may face severe restrictions. Speaking at a meeting with Russian business leaders on 26 May 2025, Putin accused these companies of undermining Russia’s interests and called for them to be “throttled.”
He also stressed the need to strengthen Russia’s domestic technology sector by replacing foreign software with locally developed alternatives. Putin claimed that continued reliance on Western technology posed a threat to national sovereignty and argued that foreign firms should not be allowed to dominate Russia’s digital infrastructure.
This warning forms part of a wider push by the Kremlin to reduce foreign influence in critical sectors and to promote technological self-sufficiency. His comments reflect growing tensions between Russia and the West, particularly in areas such as cybersecurity, communications, and software development.
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Why it’s important
Putin’s remarks suggest a shift towards more aggressive measures against Western companies in Russia. If enforced, these restrictions could disrupt foreign business operations and deepen Russia’s technological divide with global markets.
The emphasis on developing domestic alternatives also signals a long-term strategy to isolate Russia’s tech ecosystem from Western providers, potentially reshaping the country’s digital landscape.
