Handelsketten: Russland stellt Vermögenswerte Metros unter staatliche Verwaltung

Moscow - Russian President Vladimir Putin has placed the Russian business interests of Metro AG under compulsory administration. The Kremlin published an official decree in Moscow, stating that management company Torg RUS will manage 100 percent of Metro's assets in Russia on a temporary basis. Earlier this month, Putin had also placed food manufacturer Nestlé and French wholesale retailer Auchan under external management, citing their involvement in the Ukrainian conflict.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskow explained that this was due to military aid from these countries being actively used against Russia's civil infrastructure. Ukraine also employs drone strikes in Russia's rear territory against the war of aggression that Putin initiated over a year and a half ago. Recently, major Russian online retail companies Wildberries and Ozon had their logistics centers destroyed or damaged.

Metro AG, headquartered in Germany, decided to remain in Russia despite the start of Putin's war, stating that it is a difficult balancing act to ensure the welfare of their 10,000 local employees and customers who rely on Metro Russland for their food supply. The decision was also in the company's best interest for preserving its value for shareholders.

In response to Western sanctions, including the seizure of state assets in the EU, Russia threatened countermeasures. Nestlé is threatening to nationalize its assets in Russia.