During a briefing, Dmitry Peskov, the Press Secretary for the President of Russia, addressed remarks made by Vyacheslav Volodin, the Chairman of the State Duma, concerning a claim that about 76 percent of foreign companies have not exited the Russian market. The spokesperson clarified that the corporate landscape remains nuanced. While a portion of international firms have chosen to stay, others have reduced activity, paused operations, or shifted functions to affiliate entities. Peskov stressed that does not imply a total absence of companies in Russia; rather, the market is characterized by a mosaic of ongoing presence, reentry plans, and adaptive strategies tailored to diverse sectors and regional conditions. The takeaway is that the business environment continues to evolve, with both continuity and recalibration visible across key industries.
In reiterating the stance, Peskov noted that among those that decided to withdraw, or to scale back, there is no single pattern of response. Some brands have completely exited, others have redeployed resources to maintain a minimal footprint, and a few have chosen to suspend operations temporarily while evaluating long‑term prospects. The Kremlin spokesperson described the market as dynamically full of activity rather than empty, suggesting that every decision layer feeds into a broader effort to preserve supply chains and protect the interests of consumers who rely on a steady stream of goods and services. The comment underscores the importance of measuring not just the headline numbers but also the practical outcomes for employment, procurement, and regional development.
Peskov further highlighted that native businesses are moving quickly to fill the niches created by any shifts in foreign participation. Domestic enterprises are adapting with agility, expanding production lines, converting distribution networks, and partnering with state-backed initiatives to ensure continuity in essential sectors. This responsive posture aims to cushion any disruptions from external withdrawal and to strengthen the domestic market’s resilience. The emphasis remains on practical results—how quickly supply gaps are closed, how pricing is stabilized, and how local manufacturers can scale operations without compromising quality or safety standards.
Vyacheslav Volodin, when discussing the data, asserted that approximately 75.9 percent of foreign companies did not depart the Russian market completely, while those that exited reportedly faced substantial, billions-of-dollars costs associated with restructuring, repatriating assets, and winding down operations. The statements point to a broader interpretation: the foreign business footprint in Russia has transformed rather than vanished, with many players recalibrating strategies rather than simply pulling out. This view invites consideration of how multinational footprints adapt to regulatory frameworks, currency dynamics, and shifting consumer demand, all of which affect the bottom line and the pace of localization strategies for multinational corporations operating within the country.
Since Russia initiated its specialized operation in Ukraine, the corporate map has seen significant shifts as many international brands either left the market or paused activities for extended periods. Among the well-known names affected were global giants such as McDonald’s, Coca‑Cola, Apple, and Siemens, along with a broad array of suppliers and partners. The consequences extend beyond headlines: local supply chains experience realignment, procurement patterns adjust to new risk profiles, and the domestic sector steps in to uphold essential services and everyday consumer needs. The period has prompted a reassessment of regional investment plans, the diversification of supplier bases, and practical measures to sustain economic activity without compromising regulatory and ethical standards. The overall message from officials remains that despite changes in foreign participation, the Russian market continues to operate with a mix of continuity, recalibration, and robust domestic enterprise.