World of Tanks Creators Branded Extremists, Russia Seizes Company Assets

World of Tanks creators at Lesta Games and Wargaming were branded extremists by Moscow City Court in June 2025, with all company assets seized. The closed-door ruling followed allegations of supporting Ukraine, despite Lestaâs owner denying links and backing Russia.
Analysts claim Russiaâs charges stem from Wargamingâs open support for Ukraine in 2023, while Lesta Gamesâ Malik Khatazhaev insisted he had âno connectionâ to Wargaming. Russiaâs IT community protested the move, but authorities ignored appeals and the seizure stood firm.
After the April 2025 verdict, not only were all of Lesta Games' assets confiscated, but Russiaâs largest IT associationsâ direct appeal to President Putin was dismissed without response.












