Russia seizes assets of Nestlé and three French firms; France demands reversal

Russian President Putin has ordered the temporary state administration of Russian subsidiaries belonging to Nestlé, Auchan, Leroy Merlin, FM Logistic, and Leman PRO. This action, confirmed by multiple sources, represents a significant escalation in Russia's pattern of asset seizures against Western companies, directly targeting major consumer and retail brands. The move is justified by the Kremlin as retaliation for Ukrainian strikes and Western involvement in military actions, raising expropriation risk for remaining foreign businesses.