Russian President Vladimir Putin said he won’t give McDonald’s a grand welcome if the company returns to Russia. The state-run news agency TASS reported his statement.
McDonald’s Left Russia After Sanctions
In 2022, McDonald’s exited Russia due to Western sanctions over the war in Ukraine. As a result, the company sold its Russian business to Alexander Govor. He had been a franchise partner since 2015 and owned 25 outlets in Siberia.
Putin Criticizes McDonald’s Exit
While speaking with Oleg Paroyev, CEO of “Vkusno i Tochka” (which replaced McDonald’s), Putin expressed disapproval. He said McDonald’s made things difficult and should not expect special treatment if it returns.
“They (McDonald's) put everyone in a difficult position, ran away, and now, if they want to come back, are we supposed to roll out the red carpet for them? Of course not,” Putin said.
He added, “I have talked with colleagues, and I have already tasked the government with working out a framework for the possible return of companies wishing to re-enter the Russian market – calmly and without any hostility, taking into account that the most important thing is to protect the interests of our businesses.”
Putin Uses Sarcasm to Respond
Furthermore, Putin sarcastically asked if McDonald’s could repurchase its business. When Paroyev said it might, Putin replied, “Remember that old joke? Only chumps settle up. It's the same thing here.”
He assured Russian businesses of full support. “There can't even be any doubts about this. Together with you, we will work through everything, think it through, and go down to the last detail. But only to our advantage,” he said.
Foreign Companies Express Interest in Returning
Meanwhile, Putin noted that other major companies also want to resume business in Russia. He said their Russian partners had informed him.
“I replied – let them come back but make sure it’s on your terms. If it is advantageous for you, let them return. If it works for you, go ahead, if not, we’ll make it so it does. That’s it,” he added.
New Russian Chain Took Over Operations
Since June 12, 2022, “Vkusno i Tochka” has operated across Russia. The chain took over from McDonald’s after it exited the market.
Putin Criticizes Western Tech Companies
On Monday, Putin also threatened to act against Western firms still operating in Russia but not supporting its interests. He made the statement during a discussion on boosting Russia’s software industry.
“We need to throttle them. I completely agree, and I say this without hesitation,” Putin said. He was responding to a businessman’s demand to restrict US companies like Zoom and Microsoft, which have limited their services in Russia.
Russia Claims It Welcomed Foreign Businesses
Even though many Western companies left, Putin insisted that Russia did not force anyone out. He said, “We have not kicked anyone out, rather it has provided the most favourable conditions for them to work in our market, and they are trying to throttle us.”
US Firms Want to Return
Lastly, in April, Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund, said many US firms had reached out. They showed interest in returning to the Russian market.