Steven Seagal Withdraws from Russian Ventures Amid Sanctions and Controversies

Hollywood actor Steven Seagal has severed ties with one of his last remaining business interests in Russia, as reported by the business newspaper Kommersant on Tuesday.

At 73 years old, Seagal, who obtained Russian citizenship in 2016, stepped down as CEO of Five Elements LLC on July 17, according to a corporate registry referenced by Kommersant. The holding company, established in 2023, was jointly owned by Seagal and his son, Dominic Seagal, each holding equal shares.

Control of the company has now been handed over to Vladislav Kazak, a member of the board at Vodstroy JSC, a construction firm.

Kommersant highlighted that Seagal had already exited most of his other ventures in Russia, including Russian Fairs LLC, Steven Seagal Group LLC, and Gorki Investment Company LLC.

Nonetheless, he still retains a 26% interest in Gorki Holding Company LLC, which aims to create an International Center for Eastern Martial Arts.

Legal analysts cited by Kommersant indicated that U.S. citizens are prohibited from making new investments in Russia under existing sanctions, with serious penalties for any breaches.

Seagal has been a vocal supporter of President Vladimir Putin and received the Order of Friendship in 2023 for his contributions to strengthening relations between Russia and the U.S.

In 2022, Seagal faced backlash after visiting a prison in occupied eastern Ukraine, where at least 50 Ukrainian prisoners of war were killed. His visit was part of a documentary project and was met with praise from pro-Kremlin individuals.