Russia Takes Control of Japanese Tobacco Factories

Vladimir Putin signed an order to put Japan Tobacco’s Russian business under state control, drawing a sharp protest from the Japanese government.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the government to take control of the Russian business belonging to Japan Tobacco, a massive company known for brands like Winston and Camel. The order means the Russian government will now manage the company's local factories and assets. This move follows a trend where Moscow takes over businesses owned by companies from countries it considers "unfriendly." Japan Tobacco is one of the biggest players in the Russian cigarette market. For a long time, the company has operated there, but this new decree effectively strips them of control over thei…