Putin Warns of Consequences Over Frozen Asset Plans
Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned of serious consequences if Western countries move ahead with plans to use frozen Russian state assets to support Ukraine. Speaking at a public interaction in Moscow, Putin said such actions would cross legal and ethical boundaries and could trigger retaliatory measures by Russia.
Asset seizure called unlawful
Putin described any attempt to use or seize Russian sovereign assets as an act of “robbery,” arguing that it would undermine confidence in the global financial system. He said allowing governments to redirect another country’s reserves would set a dangerous precedent and weaken trust in international banking and reserve arrangements.
Context of frozen Russian reserves
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Western countries froze hundreds of billions of dollars belonging to the Russian central bank and other state-linked entities. While some countries have explored ways to use the interest generated from these assets to fund Ukraine, proposals to directly seize the principal have raised legal concerns within the European Union and other jurisdictions.
Wider geopolitical implications
Putin warned that any move to repurpose the frozen assets could escalate tensions further and harm Europe’s financial credibility. He also reiterated Russia’s position that any resolution to the conflict must address what Moscow calls its security concerns. The comments underline growing financial and geopolitical friction as the war in Ukraine continues with no immediate diplomatic breakthrough.
