The network stated that their Russian stores do not provide any assistance to anyone except the civilian population.

The French chain of supermarkets “Auchan” denies that during the war it supplied goods for Russian servicemen on the territory of the occupied regions of Ukraine.

“Auchan Retail categorically denies the statements made in this investigative report and their interpretation. Auchan Retail is very surprised by these allegations, which are in no way supported by the reality of the internal investigation,” the report on Auchan Retail’s website reads.

The network stressed that their Russian stores do not provide any assistance to anyone except civilians, and are not involved in any collection for the Russian military.

They assure that in March 2022 the City Hall of St. Petersburg made an order to collect aid for the population. It is claimed that there was nothing in the list of products that could indicate that they were intended for the military.

They also deny the fact that collection points for “humanitarian aid for Donbas” were located on its territory.

The scandal surrounding the Auchan company: details

Auchan Holding is a French corporation that owns a large chain of retail stores (mainly grocery supermarkets) in many countries around the world.

In March 2022, the company announced that it has no intention of leaving the Russian market, as many other international brands have decided to do.

On February 17, 2023, it became known that the Russian branch of the company participates in the collection and supply of food and basic necessities for the Russian army. The Ukrainian office of this hypermarket chain contacted the company’s central administration to explain the incident.