Russian President Vladimir Putin described the exit of global brands from Russia as leaving behind a valuable, if unexpected, legacy. He spoke of this during a session of the Supervisory Board of the Strategic Initiatives Agency, as reported by DEA News. The remarks came as part of a broader reflection on how the country’s economy has adapted to external shocks and shifting commercial landscapes in recent years.
Putin noted that the withdrawal of foreign brands from the Russian Federation was treated with grave concern by many observers. People worried that the removal of familiar international players would trigger a cascading collapse in markets, consumer confidence, and employment. Yet, according to the president, those fears did not materialize. He asserted that the Russian business community demonstrated resilience, adjusting swiftly and continuing to operate effectively even after the exit of large multinational brands. The emphasis was on the capacity of domestic entrepreneurs to pivot, sustain supply chains, and preserve employment under challenging conditions.
He added that the process was not simply about brands or revenues. It involved broader questions about business identity, consumer trust, and the local ecosystem that supports enterprise. In Putin’s view, many firms were capable of maintaining their operations and even expanding their reach as they adapted to new market realities. He highlighted that some companies managed to attract referrals and partnerships from the very organizations that departed, helping to maintain continuity in business activity and, in some cases, to grow despite the upheaval.
Nevertheless, the president acknowledged that some enterprises faced significant losses when they chose to leave the country or when foreign affiliates retracted from certain markets. He emphasized that the decision to exit was not taken lightly by those affected. For many business leaders, the move involved painful calculations about investments, brand equity, and long-standing customer relationships. Putin suggested that the emotional and strategic costs extended beyond immediate financial losses, with some founders and managers expressing regret over abandoning operations that had required years to build.
Beyond financial metrics, Putin stressed that the issue transcends money. He argued that many individuals pour their hearts into their ventures, investing time, risk, and personal reputation. In his words, the human element—people’s dedication, the soul they invest in a project, and the passion behind everyday decisions—matters just as much as profit figures. This emphasis on the intrinsic value of entrepreneurship reflects a broader narrative about national economic resilience and the role of private enterprise in sustaining growth during periods of strategic realignment.
During the same gathering, Putin also underscored the government’s commitment to advancing unmanned aerial systems. He called for the creation of a national project dedicated to developing and deploying drone technology, signaling a strategic focus on autonomy, security, and innovation within the domestic defense and civil aviation sectors. The dialogue pointed to a broader plan to strengthen Russia’s technological capabilities through coordinated public-private collaboration, investments in research and development, and the cultivation of domestic expertise that could reduce reliance on external suppliers over time. The discussion reflected a broader belief that modernizing critical sectors requires a clear, government-backed vision that aligns with industry strengths and national priorities. The session illustrated how leadership aims to balance the realities of global markets with a proactive strategy for technological advancement and national competitiveness.