Russian tycoon's ties to missiles and Tuscan vineyards expose EU loopholes
Ilya Eliseev, a Russian businessman with close ties to former president Dmitry Medvedev, has been linked to companies supplying equipment for missiles used in the war against Ukraine. At the same time, he holds a stake in a Tuscan winery, part of a broader pattern of Russian investment in European agriculture. His connections span from defence contracts to luxury vineyards, raising questions about financial flows between Russia and the EU. Eliseev's business interests include a 30% share in Beaver Tech, a Russian machine-tool firm. This company works with NPCAP, a supplier to the Oreshnik missile—a nuclear-capable, hypersonic weapon deployed against Ukraine in November 2024 and again in January 2026. His involvement in defence-related supply chains ties him to sanctioned entities.
Beyond military contracts, Eliseev owns 9% of Fattoria della Aiola, a 100-hectare winery in Tuscany. The estate was bought by unnamed Russians in 2012 and is one of 64 foreign-controlled vineyards in the region. Eight of these are linked to Russian oligarchs close to Vladimir Putin, with three already under sanctions.
Eliseev's relationship with Medvedev dates back to their school days. He has held senior positions at Gazprombank and Gazprom-Media, reinforcing his influence in state-linked industries. The Dar Foundation, connected to both men, receives donations from oligarchs and acts as collateral for companies tied to Eliseev. Over the past decade, at least three Russian oligarchs have also secured over €1 million in EU agricultural subsidies through their luxury vineyards. Eliseev's dual role—supporting missile production while benefiting from European agricultural investments—highlights the overlap between Russian defence networks and foreign assets. The Oreshnik missile remains in active use, and his Tuscan winery continues operations under EU regulations. No additional oligarchs beyond the three identified have been confirmed as receiving similar subsidies.
