Russia takes control of assets belonging to major European companies

In September 2026, Russia initiated a strategy to strip foreign owners of their management rights over assets located within the country. This move is presented as a response to European Union involvement in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with senior government officials describing the decision as necessary asymmetric measures against Western sanctions.

Key assets affected this month include those of the Swiss food giant Nestle, the German wholesaler Metro AG, and the French retail chain Auchan. Sources within the Russian government and corporate sectors indicated that these firms are being penalized for allegedly limiting the growth of their Russian units, which authorities claim harms the domestic economy. When questioned about future targets, specifically whether entities such as the Italian bank UniCredit or the Austrian group Raiffeisen might face similar intervention, a high-ranking government source warned that these companies should be fearful.

This policy reflects an escalation in Russia's economic stance toward Western businesses. No official list of future targets has been finalized, but the rhetoric suggests a hardening of state control over European-linked capital as retaliation for economic pressures continues.