An investigation by Plusminus, a programme on German public broadcaster ARD, has revealed that one of the Russian stores of the German retailer Globus supports an organisation that supplies equipment to the Russian army.
B4Ukraine Executive Director Nezir Sinani told ARD that the Globus case highlights the risks and implications of companies continuing to do business in Russia amid its war against Ukraine.
“Any business activity in Russia — especially at the scale of a company like Globus — contributes, albeit indirectly, to Russia’s war machine,” he said.
In 2025, Globus separated its Russian business into a standalone company called Hyperglobus.
However, this separation exists on paper only. The Bruch family, which owns Globus, continues to control the business as its majority shareholder. In early October, German billionaire Thomas Bruch brought former Chancellor and Putin ally Gerhard Schröder onto Hyperglobus’s supervisory board.
Globus paid €86 million in profit tax to the Russian state between 2022 and 2025, according to KSE.
“The Kremlin uses this money, among other things, to finance its war against Ukraine. The German government should step up its efforts to encourage companies to leave the Russian market,” Sinani said.
Neither Globus nor Hyperglobus responded to requests for comment on the tax payments.
But these payments are not the only concern. Plusminus’s investigation shows how easily companies operating in Russia can become indirect supporters of the war.
One Hyperglobus store in Balashikha, a suburb of Moscow, for example, provides funding to a group called the “Balashikha Volunteers.”
Posts on its social media channels reveal that much of its work is focused on supporting the Russian armed forces.
Photos and videos show members making camouflage nets and loading equipment for Russian soldiers onto trucks. The group works closely with the local city administration. According to its Telegram channel, the “Balashikha Volunteers” supply generators, drones, food and anti-drone ponchos designed to block infrared sensors. The group also organises events promoting the Russian army.
Hyperglobus does not deny funding the group but rejects any suggestion that it supports military activities. The Balashikha store, it says, provides the “Balashikha Volunteers” with support strictly earmarked for projects involving everyday neighbourhood assistance.
In June, Globus co-owner Thomas Bruch was among the few German business leaders to attend the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. Business in Russia appears to be going well: Bruch reported that sales at the Russian stores had increased by around 6% so far this year. Hyperglobus is expanding, having recently opened another store in Russia.
Nevertheless, continuing to do business in Russia carries risks that go beyond reputational damage. No company that has contributed to Russia’s war effort, directly or indirectly, should expect to escape accountability.