Russia Accuses World Of Tanks Executive Of “Extremist Activities” – Due To Stance On Ukraine War

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In simpler terms, Russian authorities have taken control of the assets belonging to video game company Lesta Games, and they have charged the top officials from both Lesta Games and Wargaming with allegedly engaging in extremist activities.

This is because Wargaming has taken a clear stance against the war in Ukraine.

Russia Goes To War With Wargaming

In response to the conflict, Wargaming Studios has chosen to disassociate itself from both Russia and Belarus, severing ties with Lesta Games – the Russian subsidiary responsible for World of Tanks and World of Warships within that region – starting from 2022.

Despite its name possibly being misleading, Wargaming is unequivocal about war: In fact, they expressed their concern over the situation in a statement, stating that they were deeply troubled by the events and intended to provide humanitarian aid.

Beyond just talk, I can attest that this company truly walks its talk. Time and time again, they’ve proven their commitment to their words.


Withdrawal From The Russian Market And Transfer To Lesta Games

2011 saw Wargaming, a Belarusian company, acquire Lesta Games, a Russian studio, which subsequently meant ownership of their war game titles. These include “World of Tanks” and later “World of Warships”. In these games, you command either a tank or a warship, employing strategies and the unique features of your vehicle to meet objectives outlined by the current map in cooperation with your team members.

However, a game and the actual world where people lose their lives are two distinct entities. This distinction resulted in the split between Lesta Games following the onset of the war. Wargaming announced that they would cease earning from the Belarus and Russia regions, despite the fact that the profit there was exceptionally high.

Following their departure from Minsk, Wargaming shifted several key operations to different nations, including Cyprus (where they currently have their main office), Poland, and Lithuania.

Seizure Of Lesta Games

Despite maintaining a generally non-political stance and sometimes adjusting its behavior to cater to its Russian audience, the Russian government has recently labeled the leaders of both Lesta Games and Wargaming as members of an extremist group. It seems that the Russian government is not concerned with Wargaming’s full independence from Lesta Games.

Based on current information, it appears that the Russian authorities have taken control of the Lesta Group’s assets due to certain accusations. Additionally, they are aiming to take over all stocks in the company belonging to Khatazhaev, who is the CEO of Lesta Games.

As a gamer, I’ve noticed that Wargaming, based in Russia, recently started a fundraising campaign to aid Ukraine. However, another gaming company, Lesta Games, has made it clear they are not associated with this initiative.

Additionally, here’s an unexpected turn of events: The Belarusian security agency has categorized Nikolai Katselapov, the head of business development at Wargaming, as a terrorist on their watchlist.


A Company That Doesn’t Make Empty Promises

Quickly following the start of the war in February 2022, Wargaming made a decision and announced their departure from Russia in April of the same year.

Simultaneously, Wargaming has been aiding its Ukrainian staff members since the start, offering assistance with relocation for them and their families, as well as providing monetary aid during these challenging periods.

Since inconsistency is not tolerated, the company Wargaming dismissed its Creative Director Sergey Burkatovskiy for expressing favorable sentiments towards Russia’s aggressive military campaign.

Over a million dollars was generously donated through the WargamingUnited Campaign towards purchasing C-type ambulances for Ukraine! In total, 90,000 bundles were procured, with players from 115 countries contributing to this noble cause. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone in our community who contributed to this initiative.

— World of Tanks (@worldoftanks) November 13, 2023

Over the years, Wargaming has repeatedly demonstrated what many history enthusiasts agree on:

“If You Want Peace, Prepare For War”

The quote by German philosopher Walter Benjamin, displayed prominently at the Tank Museum in Munster, Germany, is a different institution that has partnered with Wargaming. Instead, it’s the British Tank Museum located in Bovington that has formed this collaboration.

The collaboration between Wargaming and the Tank Museum serves as an illustration of how modern technology and gaming can play significant roles in historical education.

Apart from being the primary sponsor of the yearly event known as “Tankfest,” which provides a chance to interact with your preferred tanks physically, Wargaming also consistently contributes substantial amounts of money to academic and preservation initiatives. Additionally, they offer in-game purchases that contribute to the upkeep of the tank museum.

Do you too share an interest in military history, and are you familiar with “World of Tanks” or the “Tank Museum”?

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2025-04-30 20:10