Kremlin threatens ‘serious consequences’ if there is an unprecedented seizure of Russian assets held abroad

Kremlin threatens ‘serious consequences’ if there is an unprecedented seizure of Russian assets held abroad

The Kremlin has threatened Europe and the US with “serious consequences”, including tit-for-tat financial seizures or even a break in diplomatic relations, if Russian assets held abroad are given to aid the Ukrainian budget and war effort.

A spokesperson for Vladimir Putin told reporters on Friday that if the Biden administration and European leaders planned to seize Russian central bank assets believed to be in excess of $300bn (£236bn) that were frozen after Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, they should “realise that Russia will never leave those who do it alone”.

The New York Times reported on Thursday that the Biden administration had begun urgent discussions with G7 nations on how it could plan the unprecedented seizure of the funds, which are mostly believed to be held in Europe, and whether the funds could be spent directly on the Ukrainian military effort or just for reconstruction and budgetary use.

  • krashmo@lemmy.worldEnglish
    71·
    11 months ago

    I mean, they invaded Ukraine and this was exactly the kind of thing people said about that in the weeks preceding the invasion. You’re probably right but the point is that you never really know what an authoritarian will do, especially when their back is against the wall.

    • jmcs@discuss.tchncs.deEnglish
      1·
      11 months ago

      Let’s say Putin wants to invade the West. What imaginary army would he use to do this, considering the one he has is stuck in Ukraine?

      If he tries to use nukes to deal with sanctions his non suicidal generals will throw him out of the Kremlin window.