Key facts
- Metro AG's Russian subsidiary donated 1 billion rubles to a fund supporting Russian forces.
- The donation was made without the approval of Metro AG.
- The Russian subsidiary was placed under Kremlin control on September 28.
- The funds will be used to purchase equipment for soldiers on the front lines.
Metro AG's Russian subsidiary has donated 1 billion rubles (11.1 million euros/$12.4 million) to a fund supporting Russian forces, a move the German parent company stated was neither coordinated with nor approved by Metro AG. The donation occurred after Russian President Vladimir Putin placed the subsidiary under Kremlin control on September 28. Metro AG stated it no longer has operational control over its Russian unit and thus no influence over its decisions. The funds are designated for purchasing equipment for soldiers on the front lines.