Le Pen condemns Russia over seizure of European companies’ assets

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1. 2h ago

   Le Pen Condemns Russia Following Seizure of European Assets

   Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella have condemned Russian hybrid activity in Europe, specifically targeting the seizure of European company assets, economic pressure, and intelligence operations. This criticism coincides with the Kremlin seizing control of Nestle's Russian operations and assets belonging to Auchan. Russia characterizes these seizures as payback for hostile actions taken by Europe. While Le Pen has issued a strong statement against these actions and Russian attempts to influence French decision-making, analysts indicate that national sovereignty remains the central pillar of the Rassemblement National's foreign policy.

   Why it matters

   The Kremlin is increasing its crackdown on private businesses and tightening its grip on Western assets. Switzerland has formally criticized the seizure of Nestle and is seeking a reversal of the decision. These tensions occur as European leaders navigate varying degrees of confrontation with Moscow.

   What is confirmed

   • The Kremlin has seized Nestle's assets and local operations in Russia.
   • Russia describes the seizures of Nestle and Auchan assets as payback for European hostile actions.
   • Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella condemned Russian sabotage, intelligence operations, and economic pressure.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Switzerland is seeking a reversal of the Nestle asset seizure.
   • The Rassemblement National's statement does not represent a major shift in its core foreign policy regarding sovereignty.

   What to watch next

   • The outcome of Switzerland's efforts to reverse the Nestle seizure
   • Further official responses from the French government regarding Russian hybrid activity
   Sources used for this update (13)

   1. CNN — Kremlin seizes Nestlé’s assets in Russia as crackdown on private business grows
   2. CNBC — Putin targets Nestle's Russian business as Kremlin tightens grip on Western assets
   3. Reuters — Russia says Nestle, Auchan asset seizures are payback for hostile actions by Europe
   4. Bloomberg.com — Switzerland Criticizes Russia’s Nestle Seizure, Seeks Reversal
   5. pravda.com.ua — Le Pen condemns Russia's hostile actions against France
   6. WSJ — Russia Seizes Control of Nestlé’s Local Operations
   7. The Kyiv Independent — Le Pen condemns Russia over seizure of European companies’ assets
   8. jen.jiji.com — Germany, Merz: "Government remains to guarantee democratic future, vote goes beyond my person"
   9. jen.jiji.com — USA, workers cut fiber optic cable at construction site: flights suspended at major East Coast airports
   10. defence24.com — Le Pen condemns Russia, but sovereignty remains the core of RN foreign policy
   11. kyivindependent.com — Ukraine's energy giant wants to build oil storage sites in Hungary, Magyar refuses
   12. www.yahoo.com — Romania's pro-Russian ex-presidential candidate investigated for fraud, media reports
   confidence 90%