By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Russian authorities have initiated legal action to seize Normunds Bomis’s share in the Russian company Ryzhsky Khleb, alleging the Latvian citizen supports the Armed Forces of Ukraine, thereby engaging in extremist activities. The Prosecutor General’s Office has filed a lawsuit, claiming Bomis and his business partner, Tetiana Prykhodko, are extremists. This “extremist association” allegedly extends to Bomis’s other businesses and a Latvian foundation. This action is part of a larger trend, with Russian law enforcement seizing significant assets in favor of the state in recent years.
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Russia seizes major bread producer company for alleged support of Ukrainian forces. It seems we’re witnessing another chapter in what’s increasingly looking like a state-sanctioned robbery, wrapped in the guise of national security. The situation is a bit complex, but it essentially boils down to Russia taking over a major bread producer, “Ryzhsky Khleb,” from its Latvian owner, Normunds Bomis. The stated reason? Allegations of supporting the Ukrainian Armed Forces, essentially labeling him as an extremist. The fact that Bomis is a Latvian citizen probably didn’t help his case, either.
This isn’t just about a single bread factory; it’s about the bigger picture. The owner of this business, it seems, also controls other profitable ventures in other countries. The seizure might be an attempt to gain control of those related businesses and, by extension, their financial resources. The intent is likely to redirect the funds toward the war effort, something that has been going on for more than three years. It’s another illustration of how Putin’s regime is willing to use its power to grab whatever assets it deems necessary.
Perhaps the most telling aspect is the timing. If a bread factory is the thing they are claiming is holding them back, it reveals just how dire the economic and military situation in Russia has become. Some might even see this as a sign that things are much worse than what’s being portrayed. The claim that the factory was supporting the Ukrainian forces seems like a convenient excuse. One wonders if they have been sitting there for three years and only now noticed the bread supply.
But let’s be honest, it’s likely that the bread factory was never really safe, even for Russian owners. Especially now, with reports suggesting that Russian farmers are no longer profiting from wheat and are facing losses due to withheld government subsidies and rising costs. This has also led to a major price increase in bread. It seems the government is making its presence felt in the agricultural sector, not helping those who provide essential goods to the people.
This seizure also fits the pattern of a regime in desperate need of funding. Nationalizing businesses is a classic move when you need to fill the coffers. Some might even joke that Putin just read “The Conquest of Bread” and decided to put it into practice. Perhaps the move is to prevent the appearance of food shortages, which could lead to unrest.
The whole situation reeks of a shakedown. The owner probably refused to be bled dry of his earnings, so the state took the business. And the implications are far-reaching. It’s a clear message that any business, regardless of ownership, is at risk if it’s perceived as not aligning with the Kremlin’s interests.
It’s easy to see how this could impact the everyday lives of Russians. We might see those breadlines that were so familiar during the collapse of the Soviet Union. It’s a strong possibility. Perhaps the long-term goal is also to control the supply and distribution of food, thereby controlling the population to some degree.
The article highlights the broader context of the company’s situation. The seized assets extend beyond just the Ivanovo Oblast-based “Ryzhsky Khleb.” The “extremist association,” according to Kommersant, also includes the bakery holding SIA Lielezers, founded by Bomis in the Latvian town of Limbaži, and the company Khlibnyi Hurman based in Chernihiv and Kyiv, as well as the Riga-based foundation Ziedot.lv.
It is also worth considering what the future may hold for the former owner. The Russian regime has a history of dealing harshly with those who fall out of favor. It’s easy to understand the concern that something “tragic” may happen.
One thing is certain, this move is not about supporting the war. It is about control. And it’s a stark reminder that in times of war, the basic necessities of life, like bread, can become tools of political and economic maneuvering. It will be interesting to see if this action leads to more such occurrences and how it impacts the broader economic and political landscape.