(NEWSnet/AP) — When Russia invaded Ukraine, global companies were quick to respond, some announcing they would get out of Russia immediately, others curtailing imports or new investment.

More than a year later, it’s obvious that leaving Russia was not as simple as the first announcements might have made it seem.

Increasingly, Russia has put hurdles in the way of companies that want out, requiring approval by a government commission and in some cases from President Vladimir Putin himself, while imposing painful discounts and taxes on sale prices.

A 10% exit tax mandated by Russia is particularly tricky. American companies would have to get permission from the Treasury Department to pay it or run afoul of U.S. sanctions, said Maria Shagina, a sanctions expert at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in Berlin.

Hundreds of companies quietly decided not to leave, sometimes citing responsibility to shareholders or employees or legal obligations to local franchisees or partners.

Others argue that they're providing essentials like food, farm supplies or medicine. Some say nothing. Some products from international brands such as Coke and Apple are trickling in informally through third countries.

Examples of the impact include that most Western beer brands have vanished, and many cosmetic items have jumped in price around 50% to 70%.

In other cases, a change in store names or brand labeling has taken place for businesses and products remaining available.

 

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