The Russian division of METRO transferred 1 billion roubles to the fund «Народный фронт. Всё для победы!», according to a statement by «Народный фронт. Всё для победы!». The funds, the statement says, are intended for the purchase of transport, communications systems, reconnaissance equipment and kit to counter unmanned aerial vehicles; part is to be used for humanitarian and social needs.
Details of the transfer and the intended use of the funds
According to the fund’s statement, the money will be allocated, among other things, to purchasing transport, communications systems, reconnaissance equipment and anti-drone devices. The fund also said it intends to use part of the funds for humanitarian and social needs.
The head of METRO’s Russian unit, Johannes Tolay, explained the company’s involvement by saying it “is part of the Russian economic system and considers it important to join state strategic initiatives”. The transfer was presented publicly as support for state initiatives, including provisioning the armed forces.
Transfer of METRO’s Russian assets into temporary management and timeline
On 28 September 2026 the president signed a decree placing METRO’s Russian assets under the temporary management of the company «У К Торг РУС», which is owned by Johannes Tolay, head of the Russian unit. German METRO AG said it formally remains the owner of the business in Russia but has lost operational control.
The donation was announced after the temporary management had been established, and the head of the Russian division explicitly explained the motives for the transfer. The statement links the transfer of management to subsequent public actions by the local business.
Amounts of aid from METRO Ukraine and areas of spending
Member of Parliament Olga Vasylevska-Smaglyuk drew attention to the contrast between the actions of METRO’s Russian and Ukrainian divisions. She said METRO Ukraine publicly condemned Russian aggression and emphasised that the Ukrainian and Russian structures are separate legal and operational entities.
As of 1 April 2026 METRO Ukraine had provided charitable assistance totalling more than 79.4 million UAH. In particular, in partnership with the military trauma centre Superhumans the company allocated 36 million UAH for prosthetics for 29 Ukrainians; it also supports medical institutions, civil society organisations and military units, continues to operate in Ukraine, preserve jobs and pay taxes.
Impact on the hryvnia exchange rate and foreign-exchange operations
The report contains no assessment of the transfer’s impact on the hryvnia exchange rate or on cash exchanges, card transactions and savings. The source does not provide data on possible consequences for the foreign-exchange market or for the exchange rate on specific dates.
