Large-scale nationalization in Russia: how the Kremlin redistributed trillions of assets in 2025

Nationalization of private assets in Russia

According to ХВИЛЯ: In 2025, a large-scale redistribution of property took place in the Russian Federation, leading to unprecedented nationalization of private assets, particularly among major businessmen. The scale of nationalization increased by 4.5 times compared to the previous year, indicating an intensification of state actions in this area.

In 2024, the state seized assets worth over 3.1 trillion rubles. Since the beginning of 2022, property worth a total of 4.3 trillion rubles has been transferred under the control of the Kremlin. This process affects not only large corporations but also individual businessmen who have lost control over their enterprises. In particular:

• Dmitry Kamenschik lost control over the international airport 'Domodedovo'.
• Denis Shtegelov lost the food giant KDV Group.
• Konstantin Strukov lost the 'Yuzhuralzoloto' group.

Methods of nationalization

The Kremlin employs several leverage tools to implement nationalization. Among them:

• 'Anti-corruption' lawsuits against owners.
• Review of the results of privatization in the 1990s and 2000s.
• Accusations of financing 'extremism'.
• Disclosure of ties to foreign states.
• Politically motivated decisions of controlled courts.

These actions have made significant changes to the country's business environment and caused concern among entrepreneurs.

The nationalization of private assets in Russia reflects the growing control of the state over the economy, which may have serious consequences for the business climate. Entrepreneurs who previously enjoyed a degree of autonomy now face increased risks and uncertainties. This could lead to capital flight and reduced investment attractiveness of the country, which in turn will affect the economic growth of the country in the future.