Putin warns EU that using frozen Russian assets would amount to theft and provoke retaliation

Putin warns the EU over frozen Russian assets

Russian President Vladimir Putin cautioned that any European attempt to use frozen Russian assets to fund aid or reconstruction for Ukraine would constitute “theft” and prompt retaliatory actions from Moscow.

Warning to European nations

Speaking on the matter, Putin said that Western powers contemplating the use of Russian reserves must recognize this step as a serious violation of property rights. He described it as a stress test for Europe’s economic and legal stability, implying that such a move would undermine global confidence in European financial institutions.

Economic and political consequences

The Kremlin leader warned that Russia would not tolerate what he labeled as the expropriation of its assets held abroad. He added that Moscow was developing measures in response, though he did not detail their scope. Putin claimed that the decision could set a dangerous precedent, discouraging investors from placing funds in European banks and financial markets.

“The use of our assets by European states will be viewed as outright theft,” Putin said, emphasizing that any such actions would not go unanswered.

European debate continues

European officials have been discussing whether to seize or use interest from approximately 300 billion euros in Russian state assets frozen since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. While some EU members advocate using these funds to support Kyiv, others warn that it could breach international law and erode trust in the European financial system.

Author’s summary: Putin said that using frozen Russian assets would be an act of theft, warning that Moscow would respond and that Europe risks damaging its legal and financial credibility.

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POLITICO.eu POLITICO.eu — 2025-11-27

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