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Putin Leverages Western Firms in High-Stakes Ukraine Gamble

3/28/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Putin is playing a dangerous game, using Western businesses as bargaining chips in the Ukraine conflict. With $300 billion in frozen assets, Russia sees multinational firms as potential collateral. Tensions rise as Raiffeisen Bank faces a hefty €2 billion fine, while Putin aims to exploit EU divisions, eyeing Italy's more lenient stance toward Russia.

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Story summary

Putin is playing a dangerous game, using Western businesses as bargaining chips in the Ukraine conflict. With $300 billion in frozen assets, Russia sees multinational firms as potential collateral. Tensions rise as Raiffeisen Bank faces a hefty €2 billion fine, while Putin aims to exploit EU divisions, eyeing Italy's more lenient stance toward Russia.