Putin's United Russia Wins Landslide: 86 War Veterans Enter Duma, Foreign Assets Seized — What It Means for Expats in the Netherlands

If you've shopped at Auchan or bought a Nestlé product in the Netherlands, the Kremlin just nationalized their Russian subsidiaries — and that could ripple through supply chains and prices here. For expats in the Netherlands, the September 18–20 Russian parliamentary elections are more than a distant political event: they signal a tightening of Putin's grip, with direct consequences for European energy politics, international business, and media freedom.

United Russia's overwhelming victory

Russia's ruling United Russia party secured 57.83% of the vote and 355 out of 450 seats in the State Duma, according to Russian state news agency RIA Novosti (source: Ukrainska Pravda). Among the newly elected deputies are 86 participants of the war against Ukraine — almost a fifth of all Duma members, party secretary Vladimir Yakushev announced. The party initially demanded a retraction of that figure, but RIA Novosti later deleted the report, saying it needed "to clarify the data."

This election was the first since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. As Al Jazeera reported, other parties like the Communist Party (13.81%) and the Liberal Democratic Party (8.98%) posed no real challenge to United Russia's dominance (source). For the Netherlands, a stable but hardline Russian government means prolonged sanctions and a continued push by Moscow to undermine European unity.

Nationalization of Auchan, Nestlé, and Leroy Merlin

Just days before the vote, President Vladimir Putin signed a decree seizing the Russian assets of French retailer Auchan, Swiss food giant Nestlé, and the former Leroy Merlin chain (source: Ukrainska Pravda). These companies had stayed in Russia despite the war, and their assets have been transferred to a shell company called L.E.V. Management. For expats in the Netherlands, this is a stark reminder that doing business with Russia carries legal and reputational risks. If you own shares in Nestlé through a pension fund or invest in Auchan's parent company, the seizure could affect your portfolio. Moreover, the move signals that Putin is willing to expropriate foreign capital — a precedent that may deter new investment and disrupt global supply chains that touch Dutch consumers.

Ovechkin defends United Russia ad

NHL superstar Alexander Ovechkin, captain of the Washington Capitals, faced criticism after appearing in a United Russia campaign ad alongside Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. "I'm Russian, and I support my country," Ovechkin told reporters on his 41st birthday (Al Jazeera). For Dutch ice hockey fans and the broader sports community, Ovechkin's stance highlights how top athletes are used as propaganda tools. While the Netherlands has no direct ties to Ovechkin, his visibility underscores the Kremlin's strategy of leveraging cultural figures to legitimize the regime — a tactic that can influence public opinion even abroad.

Journalist safety and media freedom

The International Press Institute (IPI) marked the second anniversary of Ukrainian journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna's death in Russian captivity by calling for justice (Ukrainska Pravda). As of August 2026, 27 Ukrainian journalists remain imprisoned in Russia, many held incommunicado. For expats in the Netherlands who value press freedom, this is a sobering reminder that independent reporting in Russia is under lethal threat. The IPI's call adds pressure on the Dutch government and the EU to continue advocating for journalist safety and to include media freedom in sanctions dialogues.

Gas talks with Germany's far-right AfD

Reuters reported that Putin's economic envoy Kirill Dmitriev is preparing a meeting with leaders of Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party to discuss resuming Russian gas supplies, possibly as early as March 2027 (Ukrainska Pravda). The meeting would involve AfD co-leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla and could include US representatives. For the Netherlands, which imports energy via German networks, any resumption of Russian gas would lower prices but also weaken the EU's energy independence from Moscow. This puts a strain on Dutch policymakers, who have championed sanctions and the shift to renewables. If the talks succeed, it could split European unity on energy policy — a development that directly affects your heating bill and the Netherlands' climate goals.

What does this mean for you?

• Energy costs: Watch for news on Nord Stream reactivation. If Russia and the AfD reach a deal, the Netherlands might see lower gas prices but also renewed dependency on Russian energy.
• Investments: Check your portfolio for exposure to Nestlé, Auchan, or other companies with Russian assets. Nationalization could lead to write-downs.
• Sanctions: The Dutch government will likely maintain current sanctions, but the election results strengthen Putin's hand. Expect no easing soon.
• Media freedom: Support organizations like the IPI that defend journalists. The situation in Russia reminds us how fragile independent reporting is.

The 2026 Russian elections have cemented Putin's rule, militarized the Duma, and expanded the state's control over foreign business. For expats in the Netherlands, staying informed means understanding how these shifts in Moscow can affect your wallet, your energy supply, and the values of the country you've chosen to call home.