Russia considers ships bound for Ukrainian Black Sea ports as ‘potential military vessels’

Yakub Zakharev, son-in-law of Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, a loyal ally of Vladimir Putin, is set to become head of Russian subsidiary Danone, according to the Spark-Interfax database, which lists key legal information on companies in Russia. . On Telegram, Chechen Information Minister Akhmat Dudayev confirmed on Tuesday evening that Mr Zakreev “Danone Appointed General Manager of Russia”.

The 32-year-old, who graduated from Moscow State University, was the mayor of Grozny, the capital of this Russian republic in the Caucasus, in 2018 and early 2020. Between February and November 2020, he was chairman. Ramzan Kadyrov’s administration before he was appointed Minister of Agriculture of Chechnya.

His appointment as managing director of Danone, the Russian subsidiary of global agri-food giant Danone, came three days after a decree signed by Vladimir Putin was issued that formalized the Russian government’s seizure of the French group’s assets. Danish brewery Carlsberg. According to Economic Journal CommercialCarlsberg-owned Baltica has also appointed a new director: Taïmouraz Bolloev, the founder and historical figure of this Russian brewery, which he ran for the first time until 2004.

In a press release issued on Wednesday, Carlsberg’s Danish management issued the condemnation “A change in Baltica’s head (…) Conducted without knowledge [du groupe] or without [son] Consent”. Danone declined to comment on the appointment when asked by Agence France-Presse.
The French agri-food company is looking for a buyer, according to a source familiar with the matter. “Ethical Criteria” It was about to announce the sale when the Russian government announced it was seizing its assets to protect its model.
According to the same source, meetings are taking place “Everyday” with Danone’s Russian team to ensure their safety.

Since the start of the war in Ukraine and the first economic sanctions imposed by the West, many multinational companies have left Russia, while others have suspended their operations there.