Russian President Vladimir Putin has today threatened to “strangle” Western companies that remain in Russia and undermine national interests in the context of Moscow’s efforts to enhance Russian software.

“We have to strangle them. I totally agree and say it without hesitation »Putin said by responding to a businessman’s call to limit the activities of American technological giants Microsoft and Zoomwhich currently only offer basic services in Russia.

Many operations from Western countries abandoned Russia or significantly reduced their activities in the country after the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, due to which Kiev’s allies imposed financial sanctions on Moscow.

“We have not deported anyone … We have offered them the most favorable conditions to work on our market. And they are trying to strangle us »the Russian president said in a meeting with businessmen, without clarifying exactly how Western businesses undermine Russia’s interests.

“We have to answer the same way, follow their practices”added by Putin, who has significantly touched on the terms of businesses that seek to abandon Russia, forcing many to sell their assets against a gross fee.

However in April, the Kiril Dmitriyev, Head of the State Investment Fund and Putin’s special envoy on financial cooperation, claimed he had requests from US companies who wanted to return to Russia.

So far, no major West business has publicly expressed its plans to return to Russia. Some have, however, reserved the right to redeem after the sale of their assets to Russia, leaving open the possibility of their future return.

Companies that have completely abandoned Russia, such as the US chain McDonald’sthey will not be warm if they decide to return, Putin warned. “They left and now if they want to return, are we supposed to lay them (red) carpet? No, of course! “said the Russian president.