The move comes amid a scandal that unfolded in February 2023 after the publication of investigations by The Insider, Le Monde, and Bellingcat. The investigation revealed that the Russian branch of Auchan supplied products to the Russian military in the occupied territories of Ukraine, disguising it as “humanitarian aid.” It was also found that Auchan assisted military recruitment offices in mobilizing its employees.
Ukraine’s National Agency for the Prevention of Corruption responded by adding Auchan to the list of international sponsors of Russia’s war in Ukraine. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba expressed his intention to discuss this situation with his French counterpart.
Against the backdrop of these events, Reuters reported on Auchan’s plans to open a new store in Russia and increase its presence in the market, although the company later denied this, stating that its activities were a “mission.”