The seizure of Russian assets frozen in the West will have serious consequences. About this in the briefing stated Kremlin representative Dmitry Peskov.
“Potentially, this issue is, first of all, unacceptable to us; potentially extremely dangerous for the global financial system, because if such plans are implemented, in fact, a very serious blow will be dealt to the entire coordinate system of the international system. Financial system,” the official said.
According to him, “Those who are trying to initiate this and those who will implement it must understand that the Russian Federation will never leave those who do this alone.”
“[Россия] “We will constantly exercise our right to legal objection on international, national and other issues,” Peskov said.
According to him, Europe and the USA understand that illegal seizure of assets “will have legal consequences”.
“If someone confiscates something from us, we will see what we can confiscate in return. And if something is found, of course we will do it immediately,” the presidential press secretary said.
The Kremlin representative drew attention to recent developments in his comment. words Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. “If such a physical confiscation occurs, we will have something to confiscate in return,” he said the other day.
The reason why the conflict intensified
Recently, the issue of seizing Russian assets was touched upon. report Interfax and Lavrov’s deputy Sergei Ryabkov. According to him, such a step could trigger a new round of conflict between Russia and the United States, which “has the potential to deteriorate relations.”
“The trigger could be the seizure of assets, further escalation of military tensions, and much more. I won’t make any negative predictions here. I say all this just for clear understanding; we are ready for any scenario, and the United States should not have the illusion that Russia, if it exists, maintains diplomatic relations with this country, as they say. hold it with both hands,” Ryabkov said.
According to the diplomat, Russian-American relations are currently “in a coma” and at “near zero” level. Moreover, this is “not some kind of totem” and not “a sacred cow that everyone guards.”
Kirby urges not to rush things
Russian officials commented on the issue of asset seizures in the background of recent events publications New York Times newspapers. Citing its sources, the publication reported that the Joe Biden administration has intensified negotiations with its allies on the distribution of frozen Russian assets in the interests of Ukraine. This measure is supported in Congress and “injects optimism” into the Biden administration, the newspaper wrote.
According to the article, negotiations regarding the transfer of assets worth $300 billion are ongoing under the leadership of England, France, Germany, Italy, Canada and Japan. The New York Times claims that the United States plans to develop a strategy on the distribution of Russian funds by February 24, 2024.
During To inform John Kirby, the White House National Security Council Strategic Communications Coordinator, declined to comment on the New York Times’ findings.
“But generally speaking, we have discussed with many of our allies and partners what role Russia should play in the long term in terms of restructuring and rebuilding Ukraine after the conflict is over,” Kirby said.
He noted that it was too early to talk about the possibility of using frozen Russian assets for these purposes.
Legality of the seizure of assets of the Russian Federation in favor of Ukraine to work also in England.