Reporter Yelena Chernenko, Kommersant: Romano Rozhkov On September 14, the Russian government expressed strong criticism over the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s decision to ban the use of Kaspersky Lab software by all federal agencies in the United States. The Russian cybersecurity company has denied all allegations and emphasized its willingness to cooperate with U.S. authorities. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, stated that the Kremlin views the U.S. move as an attempt to undermine Russia's technological influence and create a hostile environment for Russian firms. He called the decision "regrettable" and accused Washington of engaging in unfair competition that violates global trade principles. Peskov also confirmed that Moscow will support Kaspersky Lab in protecting its interests. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced on September 13 that it had banned the use of Kaspersky Lab’s anti-hacking software across federal agencies, citing national security concerns. In a statement, Acting Secretary Elaine Duke expressed worries about potential links between Kaspersky employees and Russian intelligence agencies. She claimed that Russian law could force the company to assist in intercepting communications on Russian networks. The department ordered agencies to investigate and remove Kaspersky software from their systems within 90 days. It also gave the company a chance to file an appeal and submit a written response to counter the allegations. However, Kaspersky has consistently denied any wrongdoing, calling the accusations baseless and politically motivated. The Russian Foreign Ministry echoed similar sentiments, with spokesperson Maria Zakharova condemning the U.S. action as an act of unfair competition. The Russian Embassy in Washington described the move as a form of “terrorism†that hinders bilateral cooperation, particularly in areas like counter-terrorism. Zakharova warned that such actions would only deepen the divide between the two nations. Russian Communications Minister Nikolai Nikifrov also criticized the U.S. decision, calling it “fabricated out of thin air.†He agreed with Zakharova’s assessment, stating that the move was more about market competition than real security threats. “No company would engage in such behavior,†he said, adding that the U.S. approach was not only unfriendly but also damaging to international trust. Kaspersky Lab reiterated its stance, emphasizing that it has no political ties to any country and has never supported or participated in cyber espionage. The company expressed disappointment at the lack of evidence behind the U.S. claims and urged further investigation to clear its name. It also reaffirmed its desire to continue working with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This article is published in the “Perspective of Russia†special issue of the “Global Times†and is provided by “Russian News.†▲ Z18 Bone Conduction Earphone,Outdoor Wireless Sports Headset,Waterproof Bone Conduction Headphones,Outdoor Bone Conducting Headset Shenzhen Lonfine Innovation Technology Co., Ltd , https://www.lonfinesmart.com