From Yahoo Finance: 2025-05-31 00:04:00

Hundreds of foreign companies, including major U.S. firms, left Russia after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. President Trump hinted at restoring U.S.-Russia trade post-peace settlement. However, Putin’s recent actions and legal changes have made it difficult for foreign companies to return.

Russian law classifies Ukraine’s allies as “unfriendly states,” imposing severe restrictions on businesses. Companies that left were forced to sell assets for less than assessed worth. Even if peace restores, the track record of losses makes a U.S. company return unlikely.

Putin’s recent remarks indicate a hostile environment for foreign tech firms. The economy is projected to stagnate due to lack of investment. U.S. companies may not find opportunities for growth in Russia outside of military-related production. Repurchase agreements offer uncertain prospects for companies to return.

Multinational oil companies suffered losses leaving Russia, with ExxonMobil losing billions. Russia’s major oil companies have less need for foreign partners now. Some companies never left, while EU sanctions could pose compliance issues for businesses considering a return.



Read more at Yahoo Finance: Trump and Putin want to talk business once the Ukraine war ends. Here’s why it won’t be easy