Metro Russia, the Russian subsidiary of German wholesaler Metro, donated 1 billion rubles to a Kremlin-linked foundation on Friday, October 23, 2026, while under temporary state administration.
The donation, worth approximately $12.4 million, was sent to the foundation "People's Front. Everything for Victory!", which is run by the All-Russia People's Front, Vladimir Putin's political coalition.
Johannes Tholey, chief executive of Metro Russia, said, "As part of Russia's economic system, we consider it important to participate in the state's strategic initiatives."
Funds to be used for military equipment
Sergei Gorbunov, one of the foundation's directors, said the 1 billion rubles would be used to procure supplies needed by Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine.
The planned purchases include tactical equipment, off-road vehicles, communications equipment, intelligence equipment and defense systems against unmanned aerial vehicles.
Metro AG, the parent company of Metro Russia, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the donation.
Temporary administration decision for Metro Russia
On September 28, Vladimir Putin signed a decree placing Metro Russia under the state's "temporary administration." Tholey, who runs Torg Rus, the entity appointed by the state, serves as its chief executive.
The decision concerning Metro Russia was one of several state interventions in Russia targeting Western companies in recent weeks. The retail chain Auchan, food company Nestlé and logistics operator FM Logistic were also among the companies involved.
Putin defended the measures as a symmetrical response to Western sanctions and the freezing of Russian state assets. The Russian leader said the companies could be returned to their owners if suitable conditions emerged.
The Russian government was seeking a voluntary contribution of $5.7 billion from companies to help close the growing budget deficit as war spending increased.
