Putin Orders Seizure of Japan Tobacco Factories Amid Rising Tensions

Russia seizes control of four Japan Tobacco factories, taking 40% of the cigarette market as relations with Tokyo deteriorate significantly.

Editorial Desk

November 6, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — TOKYO, Japan — The Kremlin has officially taken control of four manufacturing facilities owned by Japan Tobacco, marking a significant escalation in its campaign against foreign entities supporting Ukraine-aligned Western interests.

President Vladimir Putin signed a formal decree on Thursday placing the Russian operations of Japan Tobacco International (JTI) under state-mandated temporary management.

The move transfers the four factories, approximately 4,000 jobs, and an estimated 40 percent of the Russian cigarette market to a state-linked holding company.

This seizure occurs amidst a broader crackdown on international businesses operating within Russia, following the recent arrest of a Japanese journalist on charges of espionage.

Tokyo has responded by demanding that Moscow release the seized assets as diplomatic relations between the two nations continue to reach a breaking point.

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The decree represents the latest application of Russian regulations allowing the state to place assets of foreign companies under temporary administration.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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