FM Kuleba comments on Auchan's activities, which supplies goods to Russian military, Ukrainian chain demands explanations from French office

This is stated in a joint investigation by The Insider, Le Monde and Bellingcat.

The investigative journalists note that since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the Auchan supermarket chain in Russia has been supplying a number of goods to Russian soldiers at the frontline. The supply was done under the guise of "humanitarian aid.” Thus, the "humanitarian aid" consisted of leftover goods in the company's warehouses and those provided by volunteers. In some places, the supply was organized with the assistance of local authorities.

“According to international law, only assistance to civilians is considered humanitarian aid during international conflicts. Support for one of the warring parties can lead to Auchan being sanctioned and trigger the departure of the company from the Russian market (Auchan's holdings in Russia include 230 stores, accounting for 10% of its turnover, or close to €3.2 billion a year)," the investigation says.

The company contributed to the mobilization of its employees: it collected data on employees and handed it over to military enlistment offices. And after the mobilization was announced, Auchan helped to fulfill the "norm" for the number of recruits: men were given draft notices and offered to resign. 

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has already responded to this information. He noted that he would discuss Auchan's activities in Russia with his French counterpart.

“Last year, I urged the world to boycott Auchan for failing to withdraw from Russia and stop funding war crimes. However, the reality seems to be far worse: Auchan has evolved into a full-fledged weapon of Russian aggression. I intend to discuss this with my French counterpart,” he tweeted. 

Auchan in Ukraine demanded an explanation from the French office.

"We are shocked by the information that was published in a journalistic investigation about assistance to the army of the aggressor country. We immediately contacted the office in France. They refute this information. We are waiting for an official communication," the statement reads.

• On March 26, Auchan CEO Yves Claude said that the company would not leave the Russian market. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba called for a boycott of the French supermarket chain Auchan and other retail chains that continue to operate in Russia.

• Later, Auchan.Ukraine said that the French owners would no longer finance their business in Russia: the Russian office denied this claim.