Lesta Games, the developer known for World of Tanks and Tanks Blitz, has officially responded after a Russian court designated its activities as extremist. The company faces inclusion in the Rosfinmonitoring registry and potential conversion of its legal entities into state revenue.

The Tagansky Court of Moscow made the ruling, but a source cited by TASS indicated that it will not affect the company’s counterparties, including gamers who play World of Tanks, World of Warships, and Tanks Blitz. Lesta Games plans to appeal the court’s decision, according to lawyer Roman Makarov.

Lesta Games defended its business practices, asserting its transparency and reinvestment in the Russian and Belarusian economies. The company highlighted its contributions to the gaming industry and Russian economy, citing educational projects for young IT specialists, partnerships with the Sirius Educational Center, esports tournaments, and a proposal to preserve the submarine “Dmitry Donskoy.”

The statement addressed accusations of remaining silent on the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and not publicly supporting the Russian Armed Forces, particularly in light of Wargaming’s (World of Tanks developer) financial support for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Lesta Games explained its silence as a matter of moral principle and concern over potential sanctions. The company stated that they preferred to keep their charitable actions private.

As proof of their support, Lesta Games published letters of gratitude and videos from Russian soldiers acknowledging the company’s assistance in the Special Military Operation (SVO) zone.

The ruling against Lesta Games follows a closed-door hearing in mid-May concerning its founder, Malik Khatazhaev. Khatazhaev is accused of forming an extremist organization with Viktor Kisly, the owner of Wargaming.net, an allegation Khatazhaev denies. He claims to have had no contact with Kisly since 2023.