2 April 2022

Numerous Western companies have already left the Russian market because of President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine. Investments worth billions that were built up over 30 years have been wiped out in a matter of weeks. The German Eastern Business Association is asking for financial assistance for the affected companies.

If at all, aid should only be granted to companies that have stopped doing business with Russia and left the market. There must be no state aid for companies such as Ritter Sport, Metro, Globus, Bayer, Henkel or Knauf, which continue to earn money in Russia. With their tax payments to Moscow, they are helping to finance Russia's inhumane actions and have become war collaborators. Just like the French companies Leroy Merlin, Total or Auchan...