Russia plans to use a seized US-owned canned food company to feed its soldiers on the Ukrainian front lines amid the ongoing military conflict. The Russian government seized Glavprodukt, a US-based business owned by California-based businessman Leonid Smirnov, in October 2023.
The move was seen as retaliation against Ukraine’s introduction of sweeping sanctions on Russia and freezing hundreds of billions of dollars’ worth of Russian assets in Europe. A letter to Russia’s prosecutor general said the seizure was needed to maintain a consistent flow of supplies to the national guard and defense ministry.
Glavprodukt is one of several companies under the American Universal Beverage Company umbrella, which had its assets handed over to the Federal Property Management Agency, also known as Rosimushchestvo. Russian prosecutors allege Smirnov withdrew approximately $15.5 million from Russia in the past two years.
The US has expressed concerns over the seizure and has urged President Trump to intervene on behalf of Smirnov. However, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the seizure would be part of the conversation with Russian officials as the US pursues an apparent rapprochement with the Kremlin.
Source: https://www.newsweek.com/russia-seizes-us-company-feed-army-glavprodukt-2060984