Russia takes control of more European corporate assets ahead of Zelenskyy's appearance at EU summit
The five companies generated more than 50 billion rubles in annual revenue, and the Kremlin said the transfers were a reversible response to EU sanctions.
- 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.
80 Articles
80 Articles
Kreiszeitung
Putin's new decree also meets German packaging manufacturer Menshen and strengthens Russia's access to European companies.
Russia Seizes More EU Company Assets in Retaliation for Support for Ukraine
Russia has taken control of the local assets of four European companies—Tarkett from France, Menshen from Germany, Sverige International Holdings from Sweden, and Ontex from Belgium—due to Europe’s support for Ukraine during the war. This action is part of a decree by President Vladimir Putin, who also noted similar actions against other companies like Nestle […]
Russia seizes more EU companies’ assets over Ukraine support
MOSCOW: Russia has seized local assets of four companies from France, Germany, Sweden and Belgium, according to a decree by President Vladimir Putin, in retaliation for Europe’s wartime support for Ukraine. Thursday’s decree listed assets belonging to French flooring maker Tarkett, German packaging maker Menshen, Swedish packaging maker Sverige International Holdings and Belgian hygiene product company Ontex. The decree also listed Russian asset…
Some European companies have already experienced the pressure from the Kremlin. Now Russia's leader Putin continues to tighten the thumbscrews.
Right before Wolodymyr Selenskyj's appearance at the European Council, Russia places other European companies in the country under compulsory state administration – including a German packaging manufacturer.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 43% of the sources lean Right
![[your]NEWS](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgroundnews.b-cdn.net%2Finterests%2Ffb6dc495f74049f513563c33352175eaa0ecd509.jpg%3Fwidth%3D60&w=128&q=75)
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
