Putin Wants Microsoft, Zoom 'Throttled' In Russia, Pushes For Homegrown Tech Alternatives
Putin’s remarks came just hours before a wave of international condemnation over Russia's most intense air attack on Ukraine since the war began.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday called for Western digital platforms like Microsoft and Zoom to be "throttled" if they act against Russian interests. The Russian leader also emphasised the urgent need to bolster domestic software development, making it clear that self-reliance in the tech sector is now a top national priority.
Putin Turns Up Heat on Foreign Tech
“It is important for Russia to develop domestic software solutions,” Putin said, underscoring his government's determination to limit the influence of global tech giants. His comments reflect a growing push within the Kremlin to isolate Russia’s digital infrastructure from Western control and increase dependence on Russian-made alternatives.
The rhetoric signals a more aggressive phase in Moscow’s long-standing effort to assert “technological sovereignty.” While several US tech companies had already restricted services in Russia following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Putin's warning suggests further crackdowns may follow, potentially disrupting access to widely used platforms across government, education, and business sectors.
Trump Slams Putin’s Ukraine Blitz: “He Has Gone Absolutely CRAZY!”
Putin’s remarks came just hours before a wave of international condemnation over Russia's most intense air attack on Ukraine since the war began. US President Donald Trump, speaking at Morristown airport, voiced rare and sharp criticism of his Russian counterpart.
"I'm not happy with what Putin is doing. He's killing a lot of people, and I don't know what the hell happened to Putin," Trump said. “I've known him a long time, always gotten along with him, but he's sending rockets into cities and killing people, and I don't like it at all."
Taking to Truth Social, Trump further escalated his comments, writing, “Putin has gone absolutely CRAZY!”
“He is needlessly killing a lot of people, and I’m not just talking about soldiers. Missiles and drones are being shot into Cities in Ukraine, for no reason whatsoever,” Trump posted. “I’ve always said that he wants ALL of Ukraine, not just a piece of it… if he does, it will lead to the downfall of Russia!”
Trump also criticised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. “Likewise, President Zelenskyy is doing his Country no favours by talking the way he does. Everything out of his mouth causes problems, I don’t like it, and it better stop,” he said.
He reiterated that the war would not have begun under his leadership. “This is Zelenskyy’s, Putin’s, and Biden’s War, not ‘Trump’s.’ I am only helping to put out the big and ugly fires that have been started through Gross Incompetence and Hatred,” Trump added.
Russia Pounds Ukraine in Record Drone, Missile Barrage
Trump’s outburst followed a devastating overnight strike by Russia, described by Reuters as the largest aerial attack since the war began. According to Ukrainian officials, 367 drones and missiles were launched across multiple cities, killing at least 13 people, including children aged eight, 12, and 17, as per AFP.
The attack coincided with a major prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine, during which approximately 1,000 detainees were exchanged by each side.
Reacting to the bombardment, President Zelenskyy demanded stronger international pressure on Moscow. “The war can be stopped, but only through the necessary force of pressure on Russia. Putin must be forced to think not about launching missiles, but about ending the war,” he said.
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