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Russia Warns EU That Seizing Frozen Assets Would Prompt 'Harshest Reaction'

Russia has warned that any "illegal" EU action to seize its frozen assets would draw the "harshest reaction" and said it is preparing countermeasures. The European Commission proposed using frozen Russian assets or international borrowing to raise €90 billion to support Ukraine, invoking emergency powers to bypass possible vetoes from Hungary and Slovakia. Belgium, which holds most of the assets, opposes the plan and seeks legal guarantees against liability. The proposal intensifies an ongoing EU debate over legality and geopolitical risk.

07:14 PM, 12/04/2025Conflict
Russia Warns EU That Seizing Frozen Assets Would Prompt 'Harshest Reaction'

Russia Warns EU That Seizing Frozen Assets Would Prompt 'Harshest Reaction'

Russia warned on Thursday that any "illegal action" by the European Union regarding frozen Russian assets would invite the "harshest reaction," and said Moscow was already preparing countermeasures.

The European Commission on Wednesday proposed an unprecedented plan to use frozen Russian assets — or to borrow on international markets — to raise €90 billion ($105 billion) to support Ukraine’s military and essential services amid the war with Russia. The measure would rely on emergency powers to try to bypass potential vetoes from some member states, notably Hungary and Slovakia.

Where The Assets Are Held And The Legal Debate

Most of the frozen assets targeted by the proposal are held in Belgium, which has stepped up opposition to the plan. Belgian authorities are demanding legal guarantees and shared liability from other EU partners in case the move triggers lawsuits.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova: "Any illegal actions involving our assets will not go unanswered... Preparations for a package of countermeasures in the event of actual theft and seizure of Russian Federation assets are already under way."

The European Union has been debating for months how to create a legal mechanism that would allow it to use frozen Russian assets held in Europe to provide loans or financing to Ukraine. Supporters say the funds could shore up Ukrainian essential services and defense; critics warn the step could prompt legal battles and escalate tensions with Moscow.

The proposal and Russia's response mark a new flashpoint in EU-Russia relations and underscore the diplomatic, legal and financial complexities of repurposing sanctioned assets. (Reporting by Dmitry Antonov; Writing by Mark Trevelyan and Felix Light; Editing by Guy Faulconbridge.)

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