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Only quarter of Western companies leave Russian market — Putin

The Russian leader noted that "despite political pressure, many partners, including from Western Europe and the United States, remained on the Russian market"

© Vladimir Gerdo/TASS

MOSCOW, December 4. /TASS/. The Russian authorities did not squeeze Western companies from the country, the majority of US and European companies continue to operate on the Russian market, President Vladimir Putin said at the VTB Russia Calling! Investment Forum.

"We have not kicked anyone out, we have not squeezed anyone out of our market," the Russian leader said, noting that "despite political pressure, many partners, including from Western Europe and the United States, remained on the Russian market."

"Some of these companies continue to operate in the previous mode. This is about half of the companies, some have transferred management to individuals and companies subordinate to them, and about a quarter have actually left, and some continue to withdraw from the Russian economy," Putin pointed out.

According to him, the difficulties of the European economy are mainly due to its rupture with Russia, in particular, the loss of the possibility to buy stable Russian energy carriers at reasonable prices.

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