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Putin Calls to Throttle Microsoft and Zoom to Bolster Domestic Software

His appeal to curb Western platforms accelerates Russian software development, drawing sharp criticism from US, EU officials.

Overview

  • At a May 27 Kremlin meeting, Putin demanded that Microsoft and Zoom be throttled for undermining Russia’s sovereignty.
  • He highlighted domestic projects such as the MyOffice software suite and state-backed gaming consoles as part of a strategy to replace Western platforms.
  • Despite official withdrawals, many Russian firms continue using Microsoft products and Zoom services, with analysts estimating billions in lost sales for local competitors.
  • The ongoing war in Ukraine and Western sanctions have deepened Russia’s international isolation and spurred the Kremlin’s push for tech nationalism.
  • US President Donald Trump labeled Putin “crazy” over his Ukraine strategy and EU leaders signaled plans for additional sanctions in response.