Putin Hands Control of 5 Western Firms to Ukraine War Veteran
The Kremlin says the latest transfers represent a continued policy “trend” targeting countries that froze Russian reserves in Europe.
Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on Thursday, placing the assets of five major Western manufacturing companies under the temporary management of Tsentr Kapital Management Company. This Moscow-based firm is owned by ex-official Marat Mirkhaidarov, a Ukraine war veteran who served in Chechnya’s Akhmat unit. The targeted firms include Tarkett, Ontex Ru, Menshen, Kappa Rus, and Eviosys, with a combined 2025 revenue of over 53 billion rubles.
Mirkhaidarov, 47, expressed pride in his military service but raised concerns about his safety following the announcement. The Kremlin justified the move by citing "hostile actions" from "unfriendly" foreign governments, specifically those that have frozen Russian reserves.
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