Many European companies that left Russia want to return, Russian President Vladimir Putin said, RIA Novosti reports.

"For political reasons, many European companies have left [Russia]; yes, with losses for them. But we know, we have connections. Many are looking forward to the lifting of all political restrictions [on Russia] and would like to return [to the country] at any time. We [i.e. Russia] don’t turn our backs on anyone... We have not expelled anyone, those who want can always return—but based on the conditions that are currently developing," the Russian president said during the plenary session of the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia.