Story perspectives

Russia Seizes Nestlé and Other Firms Under L.E.V. Control

By Drooid · Sep 18, 2026, 10:35 PM UTC · How we work

Center

Poland joins missile coalition

On 18 September 2026 Russia placed Nestlé, Auchan, Leroy Merlin and other firms’ Russian operations under control of L.E.V. Management by presidential decree.
Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced Warsaw’s entry into an anti-ballistic-missile coalition with Ukraine and an aid package.
Deputy PM and defence minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz pledged a response to Russian drone attacks.
Nestlé said it is assessing situation, protecting rights and ensuring continuity for 7,000 Russian employees.

Left

Hybrid Threat Response

Russia placed Nestlé, Auchan, former Leroy Merlin and other Western firms’ Russian operations under temporary control of L.E.V. Management on 18 September 2026.
The decree, justified as a response to “unfriendly” firms, sparked worries over workers’ rights and legal due-process under temporary administration.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned Russia could launch hybrid drone and missile strikes.
President Emmanuel Macron said Russian hybrid threats intensified and announced steps to protect critical infrastructure.

Blindspot

French President Emmanuel Macron said Russian hybrid threats had intensified and announced a plan to protect France’s critical infrastructure and defence-industry sites.
Within this story's sources, this angle appears mainly in Left-leaning coverage and receives less attention in Center-leaning coverage.

History

Historical Context

In March 2014, after annexing Crimea, Russia began placing assets of firms from countries it deemed unfriendly under temporary state control, a step echoed by the September 2026 seizure of companies under L.E.V. Management. The move revives the post-annexation sanctions wave that saw the UN General Assembly reject the referendum by a 100-11-58 vote and prompted NATO and the EU to tighten defenses.

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Poland joins missile coalition

On 18 September 2026 Russia placed Nestlé, Auchan, Leroy Merlin and other firms’ Russian operations under control of L.E.V. Management by presidential decree.
Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced Warsaw’s entry into an anti-ballistic-missile coalition with Ukraine and an aid package.
Deputy PM and defence minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz pledged a response to Russian drone attacks.
Nestlé said it is assessing situation, protecting rights and ensuring continuity for 7,000 Russian employees.

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