BERLIN, (Reuters) – Daimler (OTC) Truck stated on Thursday that it is not currently in negotiations to take over Russia’s Kamaz stock from Mercedes-Benz AG. This issue predates the Ukraine crisis.

Mercedes-Benz AG was then Daimler AG (DE) and took over 15% of Kamaz in September 2021 from Daimler Truck with the intention to return it to Daimler Truck. This happened after December saw the sale of the largest truckmaker in the world to the automaker.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February has complicated this process.

Martin Daum, Chief Executive of Daimler Truck, said “We’re certainly not in any discussions with Russian officials right now” when asked how the future would be for the partnership.

He stated that these shares cannot be changed because they require government approval.

Russian regulators as well as Kamaz’s shareholders are also required to approve the proposal. The largest shareholder is Rostec, a Russian state conglomerate.

Mercedes-Benz has not yet responded to my request for comment regarding why it temporarily assumed the stake.

Daimler Truck spokesperson stated that, while most countries require government approval for these transactions, Daimler Truck is still waiting for additional approvals in Russia.

A spokesperson for the company declined to discuss whether talks were deliberately halted and stated that it was still too early to determine whether or not it would continue to hold the share in the long term.

Following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, both Mercedes-Benz as well as Daimler Truck stopped production in Russia. This included Daimler Truck’s collaboration with Kamaz.

Daimler Truck, Kamaz and Daimler Kamaz have a joint venture called Daimler Kamaz. This was formed in 2009 and produces trucks, buses and Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles. According to a Daimler Truck prospectus, the Mercedes-Benz vehicle sales make up the majority of the company’s revenue.

Daum claimed that he was unsure if the factory of the joint venture is still operating. Daum stated that the factory requires parts from his side, and they don’t supply those parts. He said that most likely, it isn’t producing any at all.