On May 26, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a stern warning to Western technology companies, particularly U.S.-based firms such as Microsoft and Zoom, threatening to “throttle” their operations within Russia. This declaration came during a Kremlin meeting with Russian business leaders, where concerns were raised about the continued presence of these companies in the Russian market despite their announcements to exit following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
During the meeting, Stanislav Yodkovsky, CEO of a Russian video conferencing company, highlighted that services like Zoom and Microsoft Teams remain accessible in Russia, causing significant financial losses to local firms. In response, Putin stated, “We need to strangle them. I completely agree,” emphasizing that Russia should mirror the actions of these companies, which he accused of attempting to “strangle” Russia.
Putin’s remarks reflect a broader strategy to reduce reliance on foreign technology and promote domestic alternatives. He criticized the continued use of Western software by Russian consumers, suggesting that such habits should be abandoned in favor of homegrown solutions. This aligns with Russia’s ongoing efforts to achieve technological self-sufficiency amid escalating tensions with the West.
The Russian government’s stance has been increasingly hostile toward Western companies that have limited or ceased operations in the country. In 2022, Microsoft announced the suspension of new sales in Russia and compliance with governmental sanctions. Similarly, Zoom restricted its services, banning sales to Russian government agencies and stopping new license offerings. Despite these measures, some services remain accessible, leading to legal repercussions, such as fines imposed on Zoom for operating without a local office.
In addition to targeting tech firms, Putin also criticized companies like McDonald’s for their departure from the Russian market, accusing them of creating hardships for their former Russian partners. He suggested that such companies should not be welcomed back, reinforcing the message that Russia is prepared to sever ties with Western businesses that it perceives as acting against its interests.
These developments occur against the backdrop of intensified military actions in Ukraine and strained diplomatic relations between Russia and Western nations. Former U.S. President Donald Trump recently commented on the situation, describing Putin as having “gone absolutely CRAZY” and warning that the pursuit of all of Ukraine could lead to Russia’s downfall.
The Kremlin’s aggressive posture toward foreign tech companies underscores its commitment to bolstering domestic industries and reducing dependency on Western technologies. As Russia continues to navigate international sanctions and geopolitical isolation, the government’s focus on technological sovereignty is likely to intensify, with significant implications for both domestic and international stakeholders.
In summary, President Putin’s threat to “throttle” U.S. tech firms operating in Russia marks a significant escalation in the country’s efforts to assert control over its digital infrastructure and retaliate against perceived Western aggression. This move signals a continued shift toward isolationism and self-reliance in Russia’s approach to technology and international business relations.
