“Today many of them (Western companies), under pressure from their governments, are leaving our market. To hell with it,” Putin said
President Vladimir Putin issued a tongue-in-cheek ‘farewell’ message today to foreign companies that have left Russia because of the conflict in Ukraine, saying their departure would benefit Russian companies.
Speaking to high-ranking officials in a meeting broadcast on state television, Putin said these companies had suffered serious losses due to their exit from a large and profitable market.
“Today many of them (Western companies), under pressure from their governments, are leaving our market. Goodbye,” he declared, making a farewell gesture with his hand.
“Nothing (in Russia) has collapsed and nothing is falling apart. Our companies and our businessmen acquire these companies, and even entire industries, and continue this work with great success,” Putin added.
Dozens of Western companies — from energy producers to food and clothing chains — pulled out of Russia last year amid unprecedented sanctions imposed by Western countries since Russia sent tens of thousands of troops to Ukraine. Some of the companies that left the Russian market sold their assets to local investors at a nominal price.
The Russian president also said that Russia should create a system for the development of unmanned aircraft (drones) and that it should become a “source of technology and capabilities.”
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