Medvedev Vows Retaliation if West Seizes Russian Assets
MOSCOW, Oct 26 – Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev warned Thursday that Russia will pursue “every means possible” to retaliate against European Union countries should the West seize Russian assets, including measures taken “outside of courts.” The threat comes as debate intensifies over utilizing frozen Russian funds to aid Ukraine‘s reconstruction.
Medvedev’s statement, reported by Russian state news agency RIA, specifically targeted “the EU member states, the corrupt European Commissioners, and the members of the country that sought to take away our wealth.” He accused such actions of being “theft” and warned they would erode confidence in U.S. and European financial systems. The escalating rhetoric underscores the high stakes surrounding the potential seizure of approximately $285 billion in foreign direct investment held by Western countries within Russia, which Moscow suggests could be subject to countermeasures.
European nations maintain Russia is responsible for the devastation in ukraine and should be compelled to provide compensation. However, concerns are growing among some financial officials that seizing a nation’s assets could set a perilous precedent, potentially deterring foreign investment in Western government bonds. The debate centers on balancing accountability for the war in Ukraine with the potential for broader economic repercussions.
