Russia Illegally Privatising World-Famous Masandra Winery in Crimea

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine strongly condemns the so-called “privatisation” of the State Concern National Production Agricultural Association Masandra in Crimea, planned by the Russian Federation. The Masandra winery is under the authority of the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine.

The Russian side once again violates the norms of international humanitarian law, according to which the occupying power should not allow nationalisation or further “privatisation” of property. Therefore, any alienation of the property of the Ukrainian State Concern Masandra is a crime.

The law enforcement agencies of Ukraine conduct criminal proceedings over the illegal nationalisation of the Masandra winery by the occupation authorities.

In accordance with the Decree of the President of Ukraine of 15 May 2017, restrictive measures (sanctions) were imposed on the Masandra winery expropriated by the Russian occupation administration, which were later extended until June 2021.

Ukraine calls on the international community not to participate in the so-called “privatisation” and to refrain from any form of cooperation with the Concern, illegally nationalised by the Russian Federation, until it is returned to the Government of Ukraine.

Natalia Tolub