Mumbai, August 26: New legal documents reveal that Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the seizure of 75 million pounds from Google's Moscow bank accounts. This significant move is aimed at redirecting funds to support Russia’s ongoing military efforts in Ukraine. This development follows the recent lawsuits filed by the San Francisco-based company against the two broadcasters and the Russian channel NFPT in both US and English courts last week.

Court documents in the US have shown that 75 million pounds were seized from Google’s Moscow bank accounts in 2022, shortly after the Ukraine conflict began. This action forced Google’s Russian subsidiary into bankruptcy, as reported by Mirror Now. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese Premier Li Qiang Discuss Strengthening Trade Relations Amidst Ukraine Conflict and Drone Attacks on Moscow.

In October 2023, Google completely withdrew from Russia. The seized funds were redirected to state-run Russian TV channels like Russia Today and Tsargrad, which are key in spreading government propaganda about the ongoing war in Ukraine. Vladimir Putin Kisses Quran, Poses for Cameras With Islamic Holy Book at Prophet Isa Mosque in Chechnya (Watch Video).

This follows the recent lawsuits by the San Francisco-based firm against the two broadcasters and the Russian channel NFPT in US and English courts. According to the Telegraph, Google stated in US court documents that bailiffs seized over USD 100 million from Google Russia’s assets, even though the judgement amount was under USD 12.5 million. Tsargrad received the equivalent of USD 10 million from this seizure, which it claimed would be used to support Russia’s war in Ukraine. In June, a South African court issued a preliminary order favouring NFPT, which claimed that Google owed them money.

This week, Russia and Ukraine exchanged over 100 prisoners of war each. Ukraine marked its third Independence Day since the invasion with the release of 115 Ukrainian soldiers, including many from Mariupol. In response, Russia faced a state of emergency in Belgorod due to recent Ukrainian offensives, impacting Putin’s popularity.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 26, 2024 02:07 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).