“They’re trying to choke us, we should respond in kind.” Russian President threatens to “throttle” Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and other US tech in the country

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According to President Vladimir Putin, software products like Microsoft Teams and Zoom, as well as other offerings from western companies, should be restricted or limited in their ability to function within Russia. This statement was made in the context of discussions regarding US companies that have chosen to leave Russia or scale back their operations. (Source: Reuters)

In that recent gathering with entrepreneurs, I expressed the need for a balanced approach regarding US businesses. Essentially, I suggested we should moderate their activities, as they seem to be exerting undue pressure on us. To maintain fairness, I proposed that our response should be proportionate.

As a tech enthusiast, I’ve noticed that, in 2022, I myself (Microsoft) have ceased software sales within the borders of Russia. Now, our services are only partially available inside Russia. Many other significant tech firms have decided to suspend their operations entirely within Russia.

In recent times, certain Western firms have been supplanted by Russian counterparts, for instance, Vkusno i Tochka taking over the spot vacated by McDonald’s. It seems that Putin is aiming to replicate this trend in the technology industry.

According to TechRadar, colleagues have pointed out that Kaspersky Lab offers multiple software solutions that rival those from the West. Notably, Kaspersky Lab owns a significant portion of MyOffice software.

Kaspersky Lab has its main office in Moscow, Russia, yet it’s managed by a parent company based in the United Kingdom.

Kaspersky Lab revealed its intention to wind down its American operations by 2024, following the implementation of sanctions against it.

Putin’s remarks concerning western software firms arose not long after President Trump had made a series of remarks specifically about Putin.

Trump recently stated on Truth Social that he’s had a strong rapport with Vladimir Putin from Russia, but as of late, there seems to be a significant change in him. Trump suggests that Putin is acting in an unusually erratic manner.

He’s unnecessarily causing mass casualties, and I don’t only mean military personnel. Civilians in cities across Ukraine are being targeted indiscriminately by missiles and drone strikes, without any apparent justification.

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2025-05-27 23:39