US Businesses Maintain Investments in Russia, Most Companies Remain, Says AmCham Head

Coverage Comparison

Reports from TASS, the Russian state news agency, cover statements made by Robert Agee, head of the American Chamber of Commerce in Russia (AmCham Russia), at the Caucasus Investment Forum held in Mineralnye Vody from April 28-30. The articles portray a business community that has largely stayed in Russia despite sanctions and geopolitical tensions, with an eye toward future engagement.

Key Claims

• US businesses have maintained their investments in Russia, with most companies not leaving the market.
• More US companies plan to participate in SPIEF 2026 than three years ago, but numbers remain lower than five years ago.
• Russia-US Business Dialogue and Culture Dialogue sessions will be held at SPIEF 2026, initiated by AmCham Russia.
• AmCham Russia has asked the US government to license several banks to use dollars in payments to Russian companies.
• American businesses hope sanctions will be lifted, as they hinder operations.

Lead

Russian state news agency TASS reported on April 29 that Robert Agee, head of the American Chamber of Commerce in Russia (AmCham Russia), stated that US businesses have maintained their investments in Russia and that most companies have not left the Russian market. Speaking on the sidelines of the Caucasus Investment Forum in the Stavropol Region, Agee said, "We haven't left. Most of our companies have stayed. All the investments we made in Russia are still there. All these factories remain."

Coverage Comparison

All four articles cited originate from TASS and feature Robert Agee as the primary source. The coverage consistently highlights the continued presence of US businesses in Russia and their interest in maintaining commercial and cultural ties. The tone is generally neutral to positive, with direct quotes from Agee and Anton Kobyakov, an adviser to the Russian president and SPIEF organizing committee executive secretary.

TASS's reporting is based on statements made at the Caucasus Investment Forum, which runs April 28-30 and is organized by the Roscongress Foundation with support from the Russian government. TASS serves as the forum's media partner.

Key Claims

According to TASS's coverage of Agee's remarks:

• US businesses have kept their investments and most have not left Russia, with factories and assets still in operation.
• Participation of US companies in SPIEF 2026 is expected to be "much lower" than five years ago but higher than three years ago, reflecting continued caution.
• AmCham Russia has requested that the US government license several banks to facilitate dollar payments to Russian companies, arguing that sanctions hinder American businesses.
• A commercial dialogue and cultural dialogue between Russia and the US will be held at SPIEF 2026, with AmCham as initiator.

Perspectives

From the perspective of AmCham Russia, as quoted by TASS, US businesses are committed to the Russian market and seek to maintain professional channels. Agee emphasized that sanctions hinder US businesses while Russian companies can find alternative solutions, referring to stablecoin developments. He also noted that AmCham has prepared a report for the US administration on which sanctions could be lifted first.

Anton Kobyakov, adviser to the Russian president, stated that the business community "has almost never abandoned interaction and pragmatic dialogue," and that companies that left are seeking ways to return. He stressed the importance of continuing relations with "honest businesses," including Western ones.

The articles do not include perspectives from the US government or businesses that have exited Russia, nor do they verify the claims independently. The coverage is sourced solely from TASS and reflects the views of AmCham Russia and Russian officials.

It is important to note that these reports come from a Russian state news agency, which may have an editorial stance aligned with Russian government positions. The full statements from Agee and Kobyakov are presented without counterpoints, and no independent verification of the claims about US investment levels or company participation numbers is provided.

Conclusion

Based on TASS reports, Robert Agee's remarks indicate that US businesses remain active in Russia, with investments intact and participation in upcoming forums planned. The AmCham is advocating for sanctions relief and seeking to maintain dialogue between American and Russian business communities. While the numbers suggest cautious engagement, the overall message is one of continuity and hope for improved conditions.