Russia Warns EU: We Will Go After Any State That Seizes Our Assets

Russia has threatened retaliation against any European state that attempts to seize its assets after reports surfaced that the European Union (EU) is exploring ways to leverage frozen Russian funds to support Ukraine, Guy Faulconbridge reported for Reuters.

The U.S. and allies froze $300–$350 billion in Russian sovereign assets, mostly held in European government bonds, after Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

The U.S. and allies froze $300–$350 billion in Russian sovereign assets, mostly held in European government bonds, after Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has pushed for finding new ways to use those assets to bolster Ukraine’s defense.

Politico reported that Brussels is weighing a plan to tap Russian cash deposits at the European Central Bank (ECB) from maturing bonds to finance a “Reparations Loan” for Kyiv.

“If this happens, Russia will pursue the EU states, as well as the European degenerates from Brussels and individual EU countries who try to seize our property, until the end of the century,” former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev wrote on Telegram.

He said Moscow would use “all possible ways” — in courts and outside them — to retaliate.