**Kremlin Seizes US-Owned Food Company to Fuel Russian Military**
The Kremlin has reportedly seized a US-owned food company, Glavproduct, in an effort to supply canned goods to Russia’s military. According to internal documents seen by Reuters, the asset seizure was necessary to ensure stable production for future supplies to Russia’s Defense Ministry and the National Guard.
Glavproduct, originally founded by Los Angeles-based businessman Leonid Smirnov, is now under Russian state control. The company had not previously supplied the Russian army, but its assets were seized in October 2024. Smirnov has denied wrongdoing, calling the takeover a “Russian-style corporate raid.”
The seizure of Glavproduct marks the first time a US-owned company has fallen under Russian state control since the start of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine. The move is seen as part of the Kremlin’s efforts to assert greater control over strategic industries, including food production, to sustain its war effort.
**Russian Military Escalations**
As tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to escalate, the Kremlin has launched a series of military attacks on Ukrainian territory. According to reports, Russia launched 75 drones, including Shahed-type drones, two Iskander-M ballistic missiles, and three S-300/400 anti-aircraft guided missiles.
The attacks have resulted in significant casualties, with three people killed and 30 injured in Dnipro amid a Russian drone attack late on April 16. The Ukrainian military has also reported that over 100,000 Russian soldiers have been killed in Ukraine since the start of the war.
**International Reactions**
The international community is closely watching the developments in Russia-Ukraine relations. European Union officials have warned that Serbia could be blocked from joining the EU if its president travels to Moscow for Vladimir Putin’s May 9 Victory Parade.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced plans to continue bolstering Ukraine’s military capabilities, with a focus on ensuring security guarantees for his country. A delegation of senior Ukrainian officials, including the Energy Minister and Defense Minister, arrived in Paris on April 17 to discuss security guarantees with visiting US officials.
**Global Implications**
The Kremlin’s actions have significant implications for global relations. The United Kingdom has expressed support for a potential German decision to send Taurus missiles to Ukraine, while the EU has shelved plans to ban Russian liquified natural gas (LNG) imports due to opposition from some members and uncertainty about alternative supplies.
As tensions between Russia and the West continue to rise, it remains to be seen how this latest development will impact global relations and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
