Russia-Western corporate asset seizure dispute

Overview

Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the temporary takeover of Russian branches belonging to major French and Swiss companies, including Nestlé, Auchan, and Leroy Merlin. The Kremlin framed these measures as retaliation against ‘unfriendly nations’ for supporting Ukrainian attacks on Russian economic and civil infrastructure.

In response, French Economic Minister Roland Lescure condemned the seizures as ‘economic blackmail’ and a ‘hostile act.’ The assets were transferred to a firm called ‘LLV Management,’ which investigations suggest was established in late 2025 and is led by a general from the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs. While France is considering legal recourse through international courts, officials stated that these actions would not change the nation’s support for Ukraine.

Entities

Vladimir Putin · Leroy Merlin · Nestlé · Auchan · Roland Lescure

Timeline

1 day ago

[INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
France condemns Russian seizure of French company assets
France has condemned Russia's seizure of assets from companies like Auchan, Nestlé, and Leroy Merlin as ‘economic blackmail’ following a presidential decree transferring their operations to a Russian firm.
6 days ago

[INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
Russia orders takeover of French and Swiss corporate assets
Vladimir Putin has ordered the temporary takeover of Russian branches of French and Swiss companies, including Nestle, Auchan, and Leroy Merlin, in retaliation for Western support of Ukraine.

Sources

alaraby.co.uk · jaffnazone.com · nakkheeran.in · sana.sy