Putin Declares War on Microsoft: What Measures Could Be Taken?

Russian President Vladimir Putin called on Monday for restrictions on foreign services such as Microsoft and Zoom, claiming they act against the country’s interests. According to Putin, Russia should introduce mechanisms to slow down the operation of these platforms within its territory and invest in developing domestic alternatives to reduce dependency on foreign technologies.

Speaking at a government meeting, Putin emphasized the strategic importance of technological sovereignty. “Many foreign services promote political agendas that do not align with Russia’s national interests,” he stated, urging a shift toward homegrown software solutions. However, he did not specify the regulatory or technical steps that would be taken to implement these restrictions.

The announcement follows a broader trend of tightening control over digital infrastructure in Russia. In recent years, the Kremlin has moved to limit the influence of Western tech companies and bolster domestic platforms as part of its “digital independence” doctrine. If implemented, the new measures could significantly impact business communications, cloud services, and file-sharing capabilities — areas where Microsoft and Zoom play key roles.

While Putin did not provide a timeline, his remarks reinforce Russia’s commitment to reducing Western influence in its digital ecosystem and expanding a self-sufficient software industry.