Metro AG says Russian unit donated to military fund without its approval
The German retailer said it had lost operational control of its Russian subsidiary after the business was placed under Kremlin administration on Sept. 28.
German food wholesaler Metro AG said on Oct. 23 that its Russian subsidiary had given 1 billion rubles to support Russian forces without authorization from the parent company. The donation followed the Kremlin's takeover of the subsidiary.
The money went to the Russian fund “People's Front. All for Victory!” The Russian business said the contribution would finance equipment purchases for soldiers serving at the front.
Metro AG said the donation decision had not been coordinated with it and had received neither its authorization nor approval. Russian President Vladimir Putin placed the subsidiary under Kremlin control by decree on Sept. 28. Metro AG said the forced temporary administration left it unable to control operations or influence decisions.
The retailer began operating in Russia in 2001. Its business there operated 91 wholesale stores and employed around 9,000 people. Metro AG specializes in food wholesaling and supplying restaurants and hotels.
Deutsche Welle reported that other foreign-owned businesses taken over by Russia had also contributed to the People's Front fund. In 2026, those donations included 1.5 billion rubles from Poland's Can-Pack, 1 billion rubles from Dutch company Akzo Nobel and 600 million rubles from Denmark's Rockwool, after each was placed under Russian control.
