Russia’s recent decision to take control of Western European subsidiaries has caused tensions between Moscow and the West. The move, which saw Russia’s Gazprom division gain complete control over Italy’s Ariston Thermo Rus and Germany’s BSH Household Appliances, was announced on Friday and backdated to Tuesday in response to unfriendly actions by the United States and other countries.
In Italy, Ariston Thermo expressed surprise at the takeover of its subsidiary, stating that they had no knowledge of the move until it was announced. Italy’s Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, has called for an explanation from the Kremlin regarding the nationalization of the subsidiary. The European Union has also condemned the move, questioning its legality and urging Russia to reverse the decision. These actions are viewed as a disregard for international law and rules by the EU.
Russia has been taking control of Western assets as a form of retaliation against what it sees as unfriendly countries following the conflict in Ukraine. This latest move with Italian and German subsidiaries is just one example of this pattern of behavior by Moscow.
