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Raiffeisen Bank Stalls Russian Stake Sale Amid Tensions

10/1/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI) failed to sell a stake in its Russian business amid rising tensions between Russia and the West.
RBI remains the largest non-sanctioned lender in Russia and is crucial for trade payments, including gas exports to Europe.
Russian officials oppose the sale, fearing Western sanctions against RBI and seeking to maintain economic ties with Europe.
RBI holds about 7 billion euros in stranded profits in Russia and processes TurkStream payments, while facing U.S. and EU pressure to reduce its Russian operations amid the war in Ukraine, drawing criticism from Ukrainian officials for its continued activities in Russia.

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Story summary

Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI) failed to sell a stake in its Russian business amid rising tensions between Russia and the West.
RBI remains the largest non-sanctioned lender in Russia and is crucial for trade payments, including gas exports to Europe.
Russian officials oppose the sale, fearing Western sanctions against RBI and seeking to maintain economic ties with Europe.
RBI holds about 7 billion euros in stranded profits in Russia and processes TurkStream payments, while facing U.S. and EU pressure to reduce its Russian operations amid the war in Ukraine, drawing criticism from Ukrainian officials for its continued activities in Russia.