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Moscow Slams EU as 'Criminal Gang' Amid €210 Billion Asset Seizure Plan

Russia has launched a fierce verbal attack on the European Union over its plan to use frozen Russian assets. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova labeled the EU an "illegitimate institution" and a "gang" for proposing the seizure. She warned that Moscow is preparing concrete retaliatory measures, not just diplomatic protests, if the plan proceeds. The EU intends to use the €210 billion in assets for a loan to support Ukraine's financial and military needs.

Key Points: Russia Warns EU Over Plan to Seize Russian Assets for Ukraine

  • Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova condemned the EU's asset seizure plan as having no legal basis
  • The EU aims to use frozen Russian assets for a zero-interest loan to support Ukraine's financial needs
  • Zakharova warned Russia is developing interdepartmental "harsh retaliatory measures" in response
  • The proposed EU loan would only require repayment after Russia ends its military offensive in Ukraine
2 min read

Moscow slams EU over attempts to use Russian assets, terms it 'illegitimate institution, gang'

Russia's Foreign Ministry calls the EU an "illegitimate institution" and warns of "harsh retaliatory measures" over plans to seize €210 billion in assets for Ukraine.

"The European Union has become not just an illegitimate institution, but, better yet, a gang that legitimizes utterly criminal ideas and decisions. - Maria Zakharova"

Moscow, Dec 5

The Russian Foreign Ministry on Friday criticised the European Union over its intention to use the country's assets, calling it an "illegitimate institution and a gang that legitimises utterly criminal ideas, " the local media reported on Friday.

Speaking to reporters, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova called EU a "criminal group" and raised questions over their plan, which she stressed has no legal basis. Her remarks came after the European Commission announced its plan to seize Russian assets in Europe worth €210 billion under "reparations loan" scheme to support Ukraine's financial needs and urged non-EU Western nations to become part of this initiative, Russian state-run news agency TASS reported.

She said, "The European Union has become not just an illegitimate institution, but, better yet, a gang that legitimizes utterly criminal ideas and decisions. I believe this is unprecedented. How else are they discussing this publicly? Trying to find something to tie it to? And knowing there's no legal basis for it, they're no longer creating coalitions, but rather criminal groups."

The spokesperson warned that Russia will take "harsh retaliatory measures" if EU takes such a step and stressed that this would not only be a verbal response but also practical actions.

Zakharova said, "If these actions are committed — namely, let's put it plainly, theft — if there are attempts at banditry and the seizure of Russian assets, then yes, I can confirm that retaliatory measures are indeed being developed interdepartmentally."

"This will not be a verbal response, not just notes of protest. It will involve both statements and practical actions. They understand this perfectly well, which is why they're squirming like snakes in a frying pan," she added.

The EU intends to use Russian assets for zero-interest reparations loan to support Ukraine's financial and military needs for 2026, 2027 and possibly beyond, Euro News reported. Ukraine will be asked to repay the loan only after Russia ends the military offensive in Ukraine and agrees to compensate for the destruction caused across the country.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Calling the EU a "gang" is a bit much, but they're not entirely wrong about the shaky legal ground. As an Indian, I'm concerned about how such actions might affect global financial trust. If one country's assets can be seized today, whose will it be tomorrow? The principle of sovereign immunity seems to be eroding.
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Rohit P
Frankly, the whole situation is a mess. The West freezes assets, Russia threatens retaliation, and ordinary people suffer. India's neutral stance and focus on its own national interest is the only sensible path. We have good relations with both sides and must protect our own economic interests above all.
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Sarah B
The language is certainly escalatory. "Snakes in a frying pan" is quite an image. While the EU's goal to support Ukraine is understandable, the method does seem legally fraught. This could backfire and create more instability. A diplomatic solution, however difficult, is still the best way forward.
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Aditya G
From an Indian perspective, this is why we diversify our partnerships and foreign reserves. You cannot put all your eggs in one basket. The world is becoming more polarized, and nations are using economics as a weapon. India's strategic autonomy is our biggest strength in times like these. Jai Hind!
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Nikhil C
Respectfully, I think the Russian spokesperson's rhetoric is counterproductive. It hardens positions. The EU may be on questionable legal ground, but responding with insults and threats of "harsh measures" only deepens the conflict. The focus should be on stopping the war, not escalating a financial one.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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