Russian Court Imposes Ban on Video Game Publisher Lesta
(MENAFN) A Russian court has imposed a ban on the operations of video game publisher Lesta, accusing its owners of backing Ukraine’s armed forces, according to media reports. This marks the first time Russia has taken such legal action against a gaming company.
Lesta Group, a St. Petersburg-based developer and regional publisher of popular titles like World of Tanks and World of Warships, has been active since the early 2000s. The company was once part of Wargaming, the international studio behind World of Tanks. After Wargaming exited Russia and Belarus in 2022 amid Western sanctions, Lesta continued to operate these games independently within the region.
On Tuesday, Moscow’s Tagansky District Court approved a motion by the Prosecutor General’s Office to ban and designate as extremist the activities of Wargaming co-founder Viktor Kisly and Lesta owner Malik Khatazhaev.
“The court orders 100% of the companies’ shares to be transferred to the Russian Federation,” Judge Mikhail Strogonov declared. The ruling is effective immediately.
A source familiar with the proceedings told media the verdict stemmed from the two men’s “material support of the Kiev regime,” specifically citing their alleged “financed funds specializing in the purchase of equipment for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.”
Despite the ruling, the ban reportedly does not extend to Lesta Group’s daily operations, its partners, or its user base. “The group will continue to develop and operate its products. User support and company operations remain stable,” the source confirmed, noting that Kisly and Khatazhaev have relinquished all rights to the company.
Lesta Group issued a statement on Telegram affirming that the court’s decision did not target the company or its users, pledging uninterrupted service. The firm also revealed it would be placed under temporary state administration — a measure it said would have been impossible had the company been outright banned. Lesta announced plans to challenge what it labeled an “unfair” ruling.
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