War in Ukraine: Nestlé, Auchan... Paris calls on Moscow to reverse its takeover of European companies
France has condemned Russia's decision to place the Russian assets of several European companies, including Auchan, Nestlé, and the former Leroy Merlin entity, under 'temporary administration.' The French government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has called on Russian authorities to reconsider this move. Moscow justified the action by citing the support these countries provide to Ukraine, accusing them of being actively involved in military actions against Russia. Nestlé has stated it is evaluating the situation and considering measures to protect its rights and ensure business continuity, while Auchan Russia has requested clarifications from the authorities. Analysts suggest the financial impact on Nestlé may be limited, though there are concerns about potential forced sales or expropriations similar to those seen with Danone and Carlsberg in 2023.
The French government has strongly condemned Russia’s decision to place the Russian assets of several European companies, including Nestlé, Auchan, and the former Leroy Merlin, under temporary administration. On Friday, September 18, 2026, Paris called on Russian authorities to reverse the measure, which was justified by Moscow as a response to the support these countries provide to Ukraine. The move came after a decree signed by President Vladimir Poutine on Thursday, transferring the assets of these firms to a Russian company named L.E.V. Management. The Kremlin accused the countries of origin of these firms, France and Switzerland, as being “unfriendly” due to their support for Ukraine. According to Dmitri Peskov, the Kremlin’s press secretary, the decision took into account the active involvement of these nations in military actions against Russia, including attacks on civilian and economic infrastructure. French and Swiss companies affected by the measure include Nestlé, Auchan, and the former Leroy Merlin, now operating under the brand Lemana Pro. The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it was in close contact with the affected companies and urged Moscow to reconsider its stance. The decision follows a pattern of measures taken by Russia against foreign firms operating in the country, especially since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine in February 2022. Nestlé, which still operates six factories in Russia and employs approximately 7,000 workers, has responded by saying it is evaluating the situation and will take all necessary steps to protect its rights and ensure the continuity of its operations. The company emphasized its commitment to the well-being of its employees and stakeholders. Similarly, Auchan Russia has requested clarification from Russian authorities, according to reports from TASS and Ria Novosti. Analysts suggest the immediate financial impact on Nestlé could be minimal, given that Russia accounts for less than 2% of the company’s total sales. However, there is a risk of forced sale or expropriation, similar to what happened with Danone and Carlsberg in 2023. Jean-Philippe Bertschy of Vontobel noted that such administrative measures often precede more severe actions, potentially leading to significant depreciation of Nestlé’s liquidity in Russia, estimated at up to one billion Swiss francs. The Russian government has increasingly targeted foreign-owned assets since the war began, using legal frameworks to exert control over operations. In 2023, a decree allowed the placement of assets from so-called “unfriendly” countries under temporary administration. This has enabled Moscow to generate revenue through forced sales, exit taxes, and other mechanisms, while also rewarding allies within the regime. According to a 2025 estimate by a Moscow-based law firm, the Russian state has seized over $50 billion in private property since the start of the war, including assets from companies that left Russia. L.E.V. Management, the entity responsible for administering the assets of Nestlé, Auchan, and others, is a relatively unknown company with no prior public record of business activities. It is reportedly led by a high-ranking official from the Russian Interior Ministry. Switzerland, though not directly named by the Kremlin, has faced criticism for imposing sanctions on Russia. The Swiss government expressed concern over the recent move and pledged support for Nestlé in seeking reversal of the decision. Meanwhile, France, which has been accused of providing military aid to Ukraine, has been cited by the Kremlin as a key factor in the decision. As tensions continue to escalate between Russia and the West, the fate of these multinational enterprises remains uncertain. Their ability to navigate the complex political and legal landscape will depend on how Moscow proceeds with its policies and whether international pressure can lead to a reversal of the current measures.
The French newspaper Le Figaro reports that Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a decree transferring the assets of several Western companies operating in Russia, Auchan, Nestlé, and Leroy Merlin (renamed Lemana Pro in 2024), under provisional administration by a Russian entity. This move effectively gives the Russian authorities control over these foreign-owned businesses, allowing them to manage operations, appoint new leadership, and restructure the companies. The action mirrors similar measures taken against other foreign firms after the start of the war in Ukraine, where some were seized or forced to sell at low prices. The article highlights the growing risk for Western companies still active in Russia, which are increasingly being brought under state oversight.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the event as a neutral factual update, focusing on the legal and administrative implications of the decree without overtly criticizing or praising the Russian government’s actions. It references past similar cases but does not take a clear ideological stance. The framing remains
Why factuality (95): The article accurately reports the Russian decree signed by Putin transferring assets of Auchan, Nestlé, and Leroy Merlin to a Russian company. It cites an expert from August Debouzy and provides context linking this action to similar cases after the war in Ukraine. The details align with cross-sour
Why objectivity (85): The article maintains a relatively neutral tone, presenting facts and expert commentary without overt bias. However, it uses terms like 'bruyant coup de cymbales' and references political implications, which slightly tilt the framing toward a critical perspective.
Le FigaroIndependent🔒ProgressiveFactual 87Objective 82
Le Figaro rapporte que la France a condamné une décision russe de placer sous administration provisoire les filiales russes de plusieurs entreprises françaises et européennes, notamment Auchan, Nestlé et Leroy Merlin. Cette mesure, justifiée par le statut de ces pays comme étant «inamicaux» envers la Russie en raison de leur implication dans la guerre en Ukraine, a été critiquée par le gouvernement français, qui appelle Moscou à revenir sur cette décision. Les autorités russes, représentées par le porte-parole du Kremlin Dmitri Peskov, ont expliqué que ce geste était lié aux tensions géopolitiques. Depuis le début de la guerre en Ukraine, de nombreuses entreprises occidentales ont dû quitter la Russie ou transférer leurs activités vers des entités locales.
Bias read (Progressive): L'article présente la décision russe comme une violation des droits des entreprises occidentales, utilisant des termes tels que «dénoncer», «sans justification» et «appelant à revenir sur cette décision». La France est présentée comme la victime d'une action arbitraire de la part de la Russie, cequi
Why factuality (87): The article confirms the details of the decree signed by Putin and the subsequent action taken by the Kremlin. It includes specific names of affected companies and mentions the legal implications of the move. It aligns closely with other sources but omits some nuances present in others.
Why objectivity (82): The tone is generally objective, though it uses more formal language and avoids direct commentary. There is a slight tendency toward emphasizing the severity of the situation, which may lean towards a more critical perspective.
France has condemned Russia's decision to place the Russian assets of several European companies, including Auchan, Nestlé, and the former Leroy Merlin entity, under 'temporary administration.' The French government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has called on Russian authorities to reconsider this move. Moscow justified the action by citing the support these countries provide to Ukraine, accusing them of being actively involved in military actions against Russia. Nestlé has stated it is evaluating the situation and considering measures to protect its rights and ensure business continuity, while Auchan Russia has requested clarifications from the authorities. Analysts suggest the financial impact on Nestlé may be limited, though there are concerns about potential forced sales or expropriations similar to those seen with Danone and Carlsberg in 2023.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the French government's condemnation of Russia's actions and includes statements from both Russian officials and affected companies. It provides balanced perspectives without overtly favoring one side, using neutral language and quoting multiple stakeholders.
Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports the French government's condemnation of Russia’s decision to place European companies under temporary administration. It cites official statements from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and aligns with the cross-source consensus. The mention of past cases like Dan
Why objectivity (80): The tone remains neutral, presenting both sides of the issue, France’s criticism and Russia’s justification. There is no overt bias, though some emotionally charged language ('dénoncé', 'appelle') is used, which slightly reduces objectivity.
Les ÉchosIndependent🔒CenterFactual: no official source document/info detectedObjective 85
The article discusses how major French companies such as Nestlé, Auchan, and Leroy Merlin are caught in the geopolitical tensions between Europe and Russia. These corporations face challenges due to sanctions against Russian entities and the need to comply with European Union regulations while maintaining their operations in Russia. The situation highlights the complex balance these businesses must strike between economic interests and political pressures.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the situation of French multinational companies as being impacted by the broader geopolitical conflict between Europe and Russia. It does not overtly favor one side over the other but rather reports on the challenges faced by these firms. There is no clear ideological slant in a
Why factuality: no official source document/info detected
Why objectivity (85): The language is largely neutral, focusing on reporting facts rather than taking a political stance. While there is some framing around the 'brass tacks' of the conflict, it does not introduce personal opinion or emotional language.
Le MondeIndependent🔒ProgressiveFactual: no official source document/info detectedObjective 80
The French newspaper Le Monde reports that Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a decree on September 17, transferring the assets of multinational companies Auchan, Leroy Merlin, and Nestlé, along with those of FM Logistic, to a little-known Russian shell company. This move is described as part of a temporary administrative process, with the intention of eventually nationalizing these assets or having them taken over by individuals close to the regime.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the action as a politically motivated transfer of assets to a state-controlled entity, implying a broader strategy of control and influence over foreign businesses operating in Russia. The emphasis on 'nationalization' and 'reprise by a close associate of the regime' suggests a sl
Why factuality: no official source document/info detected
Why objectivity (80): While informative, this article has a slightly more analytical tone, which can border on editorializing when discussing potential consequences. This introduces a minor subjective element, reducing overall objectivity.
How each side covered it
The same event, grouped by the political lean of the outlets covering it.
progressive
center
conservative
★
How each side covered it
Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.
France
