Putin Orders Russian State Control of German Retailer Metro's Assets

Metro AG, a major German retailer, maintained its operations in Russia even after the start of the Ukraine war, unlike many other Western companies that withdrew. For years, Metro ran 91 stores across Russia, employing about 9,000 people.

Tensions between Russia and Western countries have been high since the invasion of Ukraine. In response to what it calls 'unfriendly' actions from Western governments, Russia began targeting foreign businesses that continued to operate in the country.

In early September 2026, the Russian government placed the Russian businesses of companies like Nestle and Auchan under state control, saying the move was due to the actions of 'unfriendly' states, according to n-tv.de.

On September 28, 2026, President Vladimir Putin signed a decree placing all Russian assets of Metro AG under state administration. This decision was reported by several German outlets, including DIE ZEIT and Deutschlandfunk, confirming that Metro's Russian business was now officially managed by the state.

ARD Tagesschau and DER SPIEGEL noted that Metro had been one of the last major German companies to remain in Russia after the Ukraine conflict began. The takeover fits into a broader pattern of Russian authorities intensifying control over Western companies still operating in the country.

By September 29, Le Monde and Euronews confirmed the loss of control for Metro, highlighting the scale of its Russian operations and the escalating diplomatic fallout.

As of late September 2026, Metro AG has lost control of its Russian operations, with all assets now administered by the Russian state. The company has not made public statements about next steps for its Russian employees or assets.

The move has increased economic tensions between Russia and Germany. It also leaves uncertainty for Metro's future in Russia and the fate of its local workforce.

The key questions now are whether other Western companies will face similar takeovers and how Metro AG will respond. The impact on Metro's Russian employees and the possibility of legal or diplomatic actions from Germany or the EU remain open.