Putin Seizes Japan Tobacco's Russian Units, Tokyo Demands Immediate Reversal

Putin Seizes Japan Tobacco's Russian Units, Tokyo Demands Immediate Reversal

Japan has formally protested Russia's takeover of Japan Tobacco's local subsidiaries, demanding Moscow reverse the decree as ties between the two countries deteriorate.

· 1 min read ·
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Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree placing the Russian subsidiaries of Japan Tobacco, one of the world's largest cigarette makers, under temporary state management [281187][281193]. The decree did not provide a reason for the takeover [281187]. Japan Tobacco said it was examining the details of the decree, noting that it has operated in Russia for decades and that its local business represents a significant share of its global sales [281187].

The Japanese government lodged a formal complaint with Russia on Friday, demanding that Moscow immediately reverse the decree announced the previous day [281193]. Tokyo called the move unacceptable and urged Moscow to restore the company's rightful position [281174]. The seizure adds new strain to already tense relations between the two countries [281174].

The takeover follows similar Russian actions against other foreign-owned assets in recent months. Moscow has placed several Western companies' Russian operations under temporary state control, a step that raises new risks for international firms still operating in the country [281187]. Japan has joined Western sanctions against Russia over the war in Ukraine, and the Kremlin has responded with a series of measures targeting foreign companies [281187].

Sources

Putin seizes Japan Tobacco’s Russian assets as Moscow-Tokyo ties fray #281187Russia Seizes Japan Tobacco Assets: A Red Line for Tokyo? #281193Japan Demands Russia Return Seized Tobacco Assets #281174

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