Russia Seizes Western Company Assets, Summons UK Envoy Over Ukraine Support

Russia has escalated pressure on Western countries supporting Ukraine, summoning Britain’s chargé d’affaires in Moscow over increased weapons supplies to Kyiv while placing the Russian operations of several Western companies under temporary administration.

The Russian Foreign Ministry summoned Danae Dholakia on 18 September and accused Britain of contributing to what Moscow described as terrorism and war crimes in Ukraine. Britain has rejected the accusation and continues to support Ukraine with military assistance.

Separately, President Vladimir Putin signed a decree transferring the Russian operations of Swiss food company Nestlé and French firms Auchan, Lemana Pro, formerly Leroy Merlin, and FM Logistics to a company called LEV Management. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the affected companies were from countries considered “unfriendly” by Russia, while stressing that the assets were under temporary administration.

The moves come as tensions between Russia and European countries supporting Kyiv continue to rise. French President Emmanuel Macron has also warned that Russia’s alleged hybrid activities targeting France and other European countries have intensified.