Russia Warns Europe Over Plans to Seize Frozen Assets for Ukraine

Russia has issued a stern warning to European nations amid reports that the European Union is exploring new ways to leverage billions of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine’s defense efforts.

Following Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the United States, the EU, and allies imposed sweeping sanctions, blocking transactions with Russia’s central bank and finance ministry. As part of these measures, between $300–$350 billion in sovereign Russian assets — largely European, U.S., and British government bonds — remain frozen in a European securities depository.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently pushed for the EU to use cash balances tied to these frozen assets to help fund Ukraine’s war effort.

The move drew a sharp response from Dmitry Medvedev, former Russian president and current deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council. Writing on Telegram, Medvedev vowed that Moscow would pursue any EU state attempting to seize Russian property “until the end of the century.” He added that Russia would use “all possible ways” to retaliate — including international courts, national courts, and even “out of court” measures.

Moscow has repeatedly described any attempt to seize its assets as outright theft, warning that such actions would undermine global trust in Western financial systems, bonds, and currencies.

Meanwhile, European leaders argue that Russia is responsible for the devastation in Ukraine — the deadliest land conflict in Europe since World War II — and insist Moscow must be forced to bear the costs of its aggression.