Putin targets Microsoft, Zoom; says they should be ‘throttled’ in Russia for anti-state stance

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday issued a stern warning to foreign service providers, including tech giants like Microsoft and Zoom, saying companies that act against Russia’s interests should be “throttled”.

"We need to throttle them. I completely agree, and I say this without hesitation," Russian President Vladimir Putin said, responding to a businessman's suggestion to limit the operations of US tech firms like Zoom and Microsoft, which currently offer only restricted services in Russia.

"We haven't kicked anyone out...we have provided the most favourable conditions for them to work in our market, and they are trying to throttle us," Putin added during a meeting with entrepreneurs, without providing details on how the Western companies were damaging Russia.

"We must respond in kind, mirror their actions," he said, referencing his government’s tightened restrictions on foreign firms exiting Russia, which have forced many to sell assets.

Companies that have fully exited Russia, such as the US fast-food giant McDonald's, should not expect a warm reception if they choose to return, Putin warned.

"They (McDonald's) have put everyone in a difficult position, left, and now, if they want to come back, are we supposed to roll out the red carpet for them? No, of course not," he said.

Push for homegrown software

The Russian leader emphasised the importance of strengthening domestic technology capabilities, urging his administration to prioritise the development and adoption of local software solutions.

Tech tensions rise amid sanctions

Putin’s comments come amid ongoing tensions between Russia and Western tech companies, many of which have reduced or suspended operations in Russia following the invasion of Ukraine.

Russia has since accelerated efforts to replace Western technology with local alternatives across public and private sectors.