The Russian government has accused Viktor Kisly, owner of Wargaming, and Malik Khatazhaev, owner of Lesta Games, of carrying out “extremist activities” related to the invasion of Ukraine. This accusation has led to the seizure of the assets of the Lesta group, creating a climate of tension in the studio that develops the popular video game World of Tanks.
A company doing its best for the Ukrainian people
Wargaming, founded in Minsk, Belarus in 1998, moved its headquarters to Cyprus in 2011 and formally disconnected from Lesta Games on March 31, 2022, following the Russian invasion. Despite this separation, the Russian government has decided to act against Lesta, raising questions about the motivations behind this intervention. The Office of the Attorney General of Russia justifies its actions by considering that Khatazhaev and Kisly are part of an association that promotes activities deemed extremist, supporting its claim with Wargaming’s opposition to the invasion and its fundraising efforts for Ukraine.
Wargaming has clarified its stance by taking concrete actions in favor of Ukraine, raising over 1 million dollars through the sale of themed packages in its video games, with the aim of funding ambulances for the country. This context shows a clear antipathy towards the situation created by the invasion, being the subject of investigation by both Russian authorities and the international community.
Despite the tensions, Wargaming has stated that it has no assets or business interests in Russia and Belarus following its “strategic exit” from the market. In a statement, the company claimed to have transferred its business in Russia and Belarus to local management at no cost. For its part, Lesta has stated that it is working with the authorities to resolve this matter as soon as possible.
