Vitaly Portnikov: "Running from behind the turbine"

Siemens is fleeing Russia. You could say headlong. After Moscow's use of German turbines in annexed Crimea became apparent, the company decided to withdraw from joint ventures with Russian partners and stop supplying equipment to state-owned enterprises. This is only the beginning of the outcome - in order to protect itself from possible legal prosecution, Siemens will sooner or later have to completely abandon its presence in Russia. And not only him,” writes the columnist in a column on the website “Grani.ru” .

“It is worth remembering that we are talking about a company that was more interested in Russian profits than others and categorically opposed sanctions. The head of Siemens, Joe Kaeser, met with Vladimir Putin immediately after the annexation of Crimea - then this meeting in the Kremlin was regarded as open support for ties with the Russian regime. Siemens’ interest in such connections is also understandable: in a country where it is easier to increase income not through competition, but through well-established contacts with the state mafia, I want to stay longer.”

“This will serve as a good lesson for the management of Siemens and other Western corporations. There is no need to rely on Putin’s word of honor - they will be deceived. There is no need to hope that they will be able to hide from others plans that you chose to turn a blind eye to. This is not Germany: it will work the indestructible Russian “maybe” - and the secret will become apparent.

Russia is a toxic territory for civilized business. Easy money can at any moment turn into difficult trials - criminal charges, stains on your reputation, doubts about your honesty. And ultimately - losses that no Putin’s favor, no photograph with a vampire, can compensate for.

You can only escape from Russia."