Kremlin seizes Western firms' assets, unnerving Japanese companies in Russia

Russia transferred assets of Nestlé, Auchan, and Lemana Pro to state entity LEV Management, escalating retaliation against 'unfriendly nations.' This move signals heightened expropriation risk for the 200+ Japanese firms still operating in Russia, amid deteriorating bilateral ties. The seizure marks a direct escalation in economic statecraft, potentially deterring foreign investment and complicating exit strategies.