Manturov allowed the return of foreign brands to Russia in order to increase competition

The return of foreign brands to the Russian market is possible if it contributes to increased competition. This was announced on May 18 by First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov in an interview with journalist Pavel Zarubin.

"If we are interested in a broader range and in increasing competition, then we will be guided by this principle," TASS quoted him as saying.

According to the Deputy Prime Minister, in this situation, the Russian authorities can be guided by the principle of economic expediency.

Pre-rights: companies from the USA are massively registering trademarks in the Russian Federation

Does this mean that sanctions against Russia will be lifted soon?

On May 15, State Duma deputy Nikolai Arefyev announced that there are currently no special criteria on the basis of which it would be possible to prohibit the return of departed companies to Russia. He also expressed the opinion that the most correct solution would be a complete ban on the return of such brands. According to him, this could contribute to the development of the Russian economy and its own production.

Prior to that, on May 13, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced personal appeals from large foreign companies asking him to allow them to return to the Russian market. According to him, apologies from Western brands alone will not be enough, especially in cases where foreign businessmen have transferred money to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU).