Putin Warns Western Brands: No “Red Carpet” for Those Who Walked Away
Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent a strong message to Western companies that exited the Russian market following the Ukraine conflict, making it clear that their return won’t be welcomed with open arms — especially firms like McDonald’s, which left in 2022.
Not Everyone Gets a Second Chance
Speaking during a recent conversation with Oleg Paroyev, CEO of Vkusno i Tochka (the fast-food chain that replaced McDonald’s in Russia), Putin voiced his displeasure at foreign firms that abruptly pulled out during critical times.
“They abandoned the market and left everyone in a tough spot,” said Putin. “Now they want to come back, and we’re expected to just open our arms? Absolutely not.”
McDonald’s sold its Russian operations to Alexander Govor, a local entrepreneur and former franchisee, who rebranded the outlets under the name “Vkusno i Tochka” in mid-2022. Since then, the homegrown brand has expanded and continued to serve customers across the country.
“They’ll Return, But On Our Terms”
Putin emphasized that foreign companies looking to return will have to do so on Russian terms — with no guarantees, and certainly no special treatment. He stressed the importance of protecting domestic businesses, suggesting that any future agreements must primarily serve Russian interests.
The president reportedly said, “Let them come back if it’s beneficial for us. If not, we’ll ensure it becomes advantageous before allowing it.”
Western Tech Firms Also Targeted
It’s not just fast-food giants in Putin’s crosshairs. The Russian leader also hinted at curbing the influence of American tech firms like Zoom and Microsoft, accusing them of offering limited services while still maintaining a footprint in Russia.
“We need to throttle them,” Putin said, echoing the sentiments of local business leaders pushing for greater investment in domestic software and technology.
A Shift Toward Economic Sovereignty
Since the start of the Ukraine conflict, several Western corporations have scaled back or exited the Russian market entirely. In response, Moscow has been promoting economic self-reliance, encouraging the growth of local industries and reducing dependency on foreign technology and brands.
Despite this shift, Russian officials say many companies are now quietly expressing interest in reentering the Russian market. However, Kremlin insiders suggest any such return will be carefully scrutinized and regulated to prioritize national interest.
Putin’s Message Is Clear
Foreign companies once welcomed with favorable business conditions are now being reminded that loyalty matters. In Putin’s words, “We never pushed anyone out — they left on their own. But don’t expect things to be the same when you try to come back.”