German Milk Producer Honored by Putin with Russian Friendship Award

Stefan Dürr, a prominent agricultural entrepreneur in Russia, receives recognition for his contributions to the country's dairy industry.

Stefan Dürr, a German-born agricultural entrepreneur who holds Russian citizenship, has been awarded the Russian Order of Friendship by President Vladimir Putin.
Dürr is the founder of Ekoniva, Russia's largest milk producer, operating in 35 regions with over 15,000 employees.
The award highlights Dürr's commitment to Russia's agricultural sector, even as many Western companies exited the country due to sanctions and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Dürr, whose image appears on many Russian dairy product labels, is also the chairman of the Russian Milk Producers Association, Sojusmoloko.
The recognition has sparked contrasting reactions, with some foreign investors avoiding Russian state honors due to political pressures from their home countries.