Switzerland criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin's seizure of Nestle SA assets as a worrying development and is working with the company to reverse the action. The Kremlin placed stakes in Nestle and French supermarket Auchan under temporary administration, citing European military support for Ukraine. Switzerland's State Secretariat for Economic Affairs said it is "worried" about the seizure and is working with Nestle "toward the reversal of the compulsory administration." Former Swiss lawmaker Eric Nussbaumer called the move "unjustified" and advised extreme caution when dealing with the Russian regime.

The seizure comes less than two weeks before Switzerland's national vote on neutrality, which could affect its sanctions on Russia. Swiss neutrality, enshrined since 1815, is being tested by a proposal to impose stricter rules on its application. Polls suggest the initiative is likely to fail, but the timing of Russia's action adds to bilateral tensions.

Nestle stated it is assessing the situation and committed to protecting its rights and ensuring business continuity for stakeholders. The takeover is described as the largest foreign corporate asset seizure in Russia since at least 2024, occurring amid broader hybrid attacks blamed on Moscow in Europe.