Updated

Bloomberg reports that Western firms stripped of control in Russia are channelling billions of roubles to the People's Front to buy army equipment. Ukrainska Pravda reported the findings on November 14, naming Metro, Rockwool and AB InBev Efes among the companies involved. The article says AkzoNobel and DKC Europe jointly directed RUB 3 billion (about US$36.2 million) toward military equipment, Rockwool's Russian subsidiary transferred RUB 600 million (US$7.2 million), and AB InBev Efes reported a RUB 1 billion (US$12 million) transfer in 2026. Most of the payments go to the People's Front, which procures drones, vehicles, communications equipment and other gear for the Russian army. Metro's Russian business, after moving to local management, pledged a further RUB 1 billion (US$12 million). The "temporary management" mechanism has applied in Russia since 2023. The assets formally remain the property of the foreign companies, which lose operational control of the businesses. The report indicates that Russia is directing income from seized foreign assets toward the war against Ukraine. Ukrainska Pravda also noted that on 5 November the Russian assets of Japan Tobacco International were placed under temporary management by an entity known as Promyslovye Aktivy.