Russia has expanded its pressure on European businesses operating in the country, placing Russian assets linked to several major European companies under temporary state management.
Moscow calls the measures a response to EU pressure
A senior Russian government source described the measures as “asymmetric” responses to European sanctions and support for Ukraine.
The Kremlin said the decisions were connected to what it described as increased involvement by European countries in the conflict.
Russian officials have also warned that further companies could face similar measures.
Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, Russia has placed foreign-affiliated companies under temporary administration on numerous occasions. Reuters reported that data compiled by Russian news agency TASS puts the number at 135 firms, most of them affiliated with European businesses.
Europe and Russia remain locked in economic confrontation
The European Union has imposed extensive sanctions on Russia and has frozen around €210 billion in Russian sovereign assets.
European governments continue to support Ukraine, while Moscow argues that European sanctions and military assistance have made the EU a direct participant in the conflict.
The EU rejects Russia’s characterization of its role and continues to accuse Moscow of blocking meaningful efforts to end the war.
What happens next?
The latest measures could increase pressure on European companies that still maintain operations in Russia.
For businesses, the issue is no longer only commercial. Ownership, sanctions, political risk and the possibility of government intervention have become increasingly important considerations.
The latest developments show that the economic consequences of the Russia-Ukraine war continue to extend well beyond the battlefield.
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