Part 2/7:
As US-Russia relations appear to thaw, conversations around a potential peace settlement regarding Ukraine are gaining momentum. Kirill Dmitriev, the head of Russia's Sovereign Wealth Fund, teased that if diplomatic relations continue to improve, American companies could find a welcoming environment for their return.
Reports have surfaced that major brands are exploring this possibility. For instance, Samsung is allegedly looking into a comeback after making headlines for exiting the Russian market in 2022. Notably, the brand has recently increased its advertising spend in Russia and cast local actor Marc Edelstein in a commercial for a product not officially sold there—illustrating the gray market's ongoing complexities.