New EU sanctions have forced the Russian-owned supermarket chain, Mere, to close down its discount stores in Latvia and Lithuania, LETA reports. The EU’s latest package of sanctions against Russia lists the companies operating the Mere chain, and their majority owner, Russian businessman Sergey Shnayder. They were sanctioned for supporting activities that undermine Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence. Mere had 12 stores with more than 100 employees in Latvia and around 20 stores in Lithuania, LSM and BNS report. Lithuania’s Ministry of Economy warned that Mere may try to bypass sanctions by renaming its stores to Ola, BNS reported. Mere is part of Russia’s Svetofor Group.
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