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Russia takes control of more European corporate assets ahead of Zelenskyy's appearance at EU summit
The decree hands control to a state-linked manager as Moscow escalates retaliation over European support for Ukraine and frozen Russian assets.
- On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree placing assets of French, German, Swedish, and Dutch companies under temporary management, affecting firms with combined annual revenue exceeding 50 billion roubles .
- The Kremlin framed the seizure as a reversible response to Europe's decision to freeze approximately £300 billion in Russian sovereign assets, designating the firms as companies from "Unfriendly" countries that imposed sanctions following the 2022 invasion.
- Tarkett, Menshen, Sverige International Holdings, and Sonoco faced seizure following similar moves last month against Nestle, Auchan, and Metro; all five companies continued operating in Russia after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
- Assets were transferred to Centre Capital, a management company registered in February 2026, with chief executive Marat Mirkhaydarov, a former regional official, having stood down in 2025 following an injury sustained in Russia's war.
- Western governments and international legal experts have described the move as unlawful expropriation; companies can pursue compensation through international arbitration, though enforcing judgments against The Kremlin remains nearly impossible.
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"The US government is doing a lot to help achieve a peaceful settlement in Ukraine, while European capitals are doing a lot to prolong military action," Peskov said.
·Marousi, Greece
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Russia has intensified measures against European companies, as a reaction to Ukraine's support, while American companies have largely been spared, on the basis of economic negotiations between Moscow and Washington. Of the 20 companies...
·Bucharest, Romania
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In response to European countries' support for Ukraine, Russia has taken control of the local assets of four companies from France, Germany, Sweden and Belgium, according to a decree by President Vladimir Putin.
Coverage Details
Total News Sources104
Leaning Left11Leaning Right21Center15Last UpdatedBias Distribution45% Right
Bias Distribution
- 45% of the sources lean Right
45% Right
L 23%
C 32%
R 45%
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