Metro Russia contributes $12 million to Kremlin-linked war support fund
Metro Russia, now under state control, transferred 1 billion rubles (about $12 million) to a Kremlin-affiliated charity that supplies equipment to Russian troops in Ukraine.
Following a presidential decree that placed Metro Russia under temporary state management, the Russian arm of German wholesale giant Metro gave 1 billion rubles (approximately $12.4 million) to the charitable foundation “People’s Front. Everything for Victory!”. The foundation is managed by President Vladimir Putin’s All-Russia People’s Front.
Metro Russia CEO Johannes Tholey stated that supporting state strategic initiatives is part of the Russian economic system. Senior ONF executive Sergei Gorbunov said the funds will be used to purchase tactical gear, off-road vehicles, communications equipment, intelligence hardware and anti-drone systems for troops fighting in Ukraine. The donation comes amid a broader wave of state seizures of Western companies such as Auchan, Nestlé and FM Logistic, which the Kremlin describes as a symmetrical response to sanctions.
Metro AG has not responded to inquiries. The Russian government is also urging businesses to make voluntary contributions to address a widening budget deficit caused by record war spending.
Why it matters
It shows how seized Western assets are being redirected to fund Russia's war effort, highlighting the economic dimension of the conflict.
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