Putin Says "No Red Carpet for McDonald's Even If They Want to Return to Russia"

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned on May 26 (local time) that even if Western companies such as the American fast food chain McDonald's, which withdrew from Russia, return, "we will not roll out the red carpet for them."

According to TASS, President Putin met with Russian businesspeople that day and said, "They (McDonald's) put everyone in a difficult situation and ran away. Now, if they want to come back, should we roll out the red carpet for them? Of course not."

Vladimir Putin Russian President. Photo by TASS Yonhap News

He continued, "The most important thing is to protect the interests of our own companies. Consider the terms for the return of companies that left. If it benefits us, let them return; if it does not, let's make sure it does," he emphasized.

McDonald's withdrew from the Russian market in 2022 after Russia launched its 'special military operation' in Ukraine, transferring all its businesses to local entrepreneur Alexander Govor. This company reopened the McDonald's stores under the name "Vkusno i Tochka," operating them with a menu similar to the original McDonald's.

When asked whether an unscrupulous partner has the right to reacquire the company, Oleg Paroev, CEO of Vkusno i Tochka, responded affirmatively. President Putin replied, "There is an old saying that only fools pay their debts. The same applies here."

He also pointed out, "Many foreign companies left the Russian market under pressure from the so-called Western political elites. And some of them clearly left their Russian partners in a difficult position."

President Putin said, "We did not expel anyone, nor did we interfere with anyone. We provided favorable conditions for them to operate in our market, yet they are trying to strangle us. We should respond to them in kind."

President Putin stressed that the Russian economy has grown despite Western sanctions, and that the use of Russian-made software in key sectors must be significantly increased. He also noted that while Russia and the United States are working to improve relations, "European companies refused to provide medical equipment services to Russia, but the United States did not."