"European brands are still active in Russia"

Numerous leading European brands, including those from the DIY sector, are still active in Russia. "Some companies supply their products to Russia via other countries, but in this case their market share and weight are decreasing rapidly," says Russian manager Ilya Kornyukhov in an interview with the German trade journal diy-Fachmagazin. 

In contrast, some international brands have stopped their activities in Russia. "They were immediately replaced by Russian and Chinese manufacturers." Kornyukhov led the project for Obi's market entry in 2001 and held various positions in the management of Obi Russia until 2006. He later advised Dehner and Hagebau, among others, and was managing director of the Union DIY purchasing cooperative from 2012 to 2016. However, he remains in contact with the DIY sector in Europe, to which he would like to return. "I am available with my knowledge of the industry," he told the diy editorial team.

You can read the full interview with Ilya Kornyukhov in our DIY+ section.