Warner Music arm seeks Russian deals despite business suspension

Exclusive: ADA Russia and French company Believe appear to be conducting business after pledges made after Ukraine invasion

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Executives at the Russian arms of Warner Music, home to artists including Ed Sheeran and Dua Lipa, and French company Believe, have continued to try to broker deals despite the suspension of business after the invasion of Ukraine, the Guardian has learned.

The $15bn (13bn) publicly listed Warner Music - which is owned by Sir Leonard Blavatnik, the Ukrainian-born billionaire with US and UK citizenship - owns ADA Russia, which works with local independent labels and artists such as Zemfira and Gorky Park. The wider ADA operation lists artists including YouTuber and rapper KSI as clients.