Dmitry Medvedev said that Western companies that have left the Russian market will have a hard time returning. In a statement published by TASS, he emphasized that foreign companies have left the country of their own free will, and many of the market niches have already been occupied by Russian manufacturers.
"On March 10, 2022, I wrote on social networks: 'Whatever the reasons for leaving, foreign companies must understand that it will not be easy to return to our market'. Life has proven the truth of these words. We have not expelled anyone - they left of their own accord. Some under pressure from their governments, others out of fear or solidarity with neo-Nazis," said Medvedev, who is currently deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council and leader of the United Russia party.
According to him, the sanctions imposed on Russia have led to the expansion of local production and the development of new industries.
"Many niches are occupied by our companies today, they are simply great. New competencies, new productions have appeared, entire industries have grown thanks to the sanctions. They have honestly earned their place under the sun and are ours, Russians," he stressed.
Medvedev expressed skepticism about the future return of Western companies to Russia. He said that so far no company has officially applied to return, and that even those seeking to return will have to wait for political blessings from their governments.
"Those who left but left the door open will probably want to return. We need to have a separate conversation with them based on the principles that the president recently outlined at a meeting with the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs. But in some cases, lifting sanctions could harm our manufacturers, so the government should consider introducing protective measures," Medvedev added.
He added that he did not regret the departure of some Western companies and pointed to the example of former US President Donald Trump as a model for pursuing protectionist policies. "Hell, I don't mind if some won't return. Trump wasn't shy, we shouldn't be either," he concluded.