In brief
Over the past month, Russia has taken significant steps towards asserting control over its economy by seizing private businesses, with a particular focus on strategic assets in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
In a drastic move, Moscow courts have ordered the takeover of the country's largest warehouse owner and initiated a major grain exporter nationalization process. The most notable action is a lawsuit filed by prosecutors to take over Domodedovo Airport, the second-largest airport in Moscow. This new wave of asset seizures extends beyond Western-owned entities, affecting Russian businesses as the Kremlin seeks to strengthen its grip over the economy during wartime.Critics argue that these actions are eroding the remnants of Russia’s legal framework, with experts labeling the situation as “chaotic” and “out of control.” By nationalizing profitable enterprises, the Kremlin can exert influence over various economic sectors, directing industrial activity to support the war and possibly enacting price regulations. This aligns directly with President Vladimir Putin's strategies for consolidating power domestically while managing wartime expenditures.
