Russia plans to use Glavproduct, a US-owned canned food company seized in October 2024, to supply canned goods to the Russian military, according to internal documents seen by Reuters. Glavproduct is the only US company under Russian state control since Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine began.
The asset seizure aims to ensure stable production for future supplies to the Defense Ministry and National Guard, according to a letter from Glavproduct’s new management. The company was previously linked to former Russian Agriculture Minister Alexander Tkachov, who was sanctioned by the EU in 2014.
Glavproduct’s CEO is tied to Kremlin security forces, and the US Secretary of State has stated that the company’s status will be part of broader talks to “reset relations” with Russia. The move comes as Washington and Moscow continue backchannel negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.
Russia has already seized control of several foreign companies’ Russian subsidiaries since 2023, including Carlsberg and Fortum. A law signed by President Vladimir Putin in May 2024 allows the Kremlin to identify and seize US-owned property and securities as “compensation” for Western sanctions.
Source: https://kyivindependent.com/kremlin-reportedly-to-use-seized-us-food-company-to-supply-russian-military