Putin Signs Decree Taking Over Russian Assets of Two Foreign Firms

Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting of the Presidential Council for the Local Self-Government Development via a video link at the Novo-Ogaryovo state residence outside Moscow on April 20, 2023. Sputnik/Gavriil Grigorov/Kremlin via Reuters

President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday signed a decree establishing temporary control of the Russian assets of two foreign energy firms, signaling Moscow could take similar action against other companies if need be.

The decree—outlining possible retaliation if Russian assets abroad are seized—showed Moscow had already taken action against Uniper SE’s Russian division and the assets of Finland’s Fortum Oyj.