Vladimir Putin’s internet czar warns web giants 'are milking it'

When he’s not checking Gmail on his MacBook, Vladimir Putin’s new internet czar can’t stop railing against American technology companies.

Google, Apple, and Microsoft — collectively worth more than Russia’s GDP, have all entered German Klimenko’s crosshairs since he was named Mr Putin’s first internet adviser six weeks ago.

In a 90-minute interview peppered with expletives, Mr Klimenko said forcing Google and Apple to pay more taxes and banning Microsoft Windows from government computers is necessary.