The ongoing debate over freezing and seizing Russian assets held abroad is poised to shape global finance, according to comments from Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.
“This issue stands as an unacceptable move at best and could pose a grave risk to the international financial system if it proceeds,” the official warned, highlighting the broad coordinate framework that underpins world markets.
He stressed that those who press for asset confiscation and those who implement such plans must recognize that Russia will not overlook these actions. The country intends to protect its own interests through all available legal channels on international and national stages.
“If assets are taken, Russia will respond by examining what could be repossessed in return,” Peskov stated, adding that any viable measures would be pursued promptly once identified.
The Kremlin spokesman drew attention to recent remarks by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Lavrov indicated that even a hypothetical confiscation would prompt a reciprocal response, underscoring the potential for a broader exchange of measures.
The reason why the conflict intensified
Discussions about asset seizures have resurfaced in recent coverage from Interfax and statements by Sergei Ryabkov, Lavrov’s deputy. According to Ryabkov, an asset seizure could provoke a fresh round of tension between Moscow and Washington, with risks of deteriorating relations.
Ryabkov warned that a seizure could ignite further escalation of military hostilities and other consequences. He did not offer predictions, but he emphasized readiness for multiple scenarios and cautioned the United States not to assume Russia would maintain fixed diplomatic ties irrespective of events, insisting that Moscow would respond decisively if needed.
He characterized current Russian-American relations as being in a fragile state, with contact at a low level and without any sacred protections that would prevent political maneuvering during a crisis.
Kirby urges not to rush things
Russian officials weighed in amid recent reports from major outlets, including the New York Times, which cited sources suggesting that the Biden administration has intensified talks with allies on how to use frozen Russian assets in aid of Ukraine. The piece noted cross-Atlantic negotiations involving the United States and partners and suggested broad support in Congress for reallocating funds, framing this as a step that could influence policy direction in the near term.
The article described ongoing discussions led by a coalition including England, France, Germany, Italy, Canada and Japan regarding assets potentially valued around $300 billion, with a timeline implying strategic decisions by late February 2024.
White House spokespersons declined to comment on the New York Times findings. A senior official indicated that discussions with partners focused on the long-term role of Russia in shaping Ukraine’s post-conflict recovery, noting that it is premature to consider using frozen assets for those purposes.
There was also mention of the legal considerations surrounding any seizure and the implications for policy in England and other jurisdictions, signaling that legal questions remain central to any potential redistribution of assets.