In a public address, a Crimean deputy to the State Duma, Mikhail Sheremet, urged the establishment of a legislative mechanism that would enable a rapid decision to seize foreign assets held in Russia. His remarks lay out a path for what he described as a decisive response to foreign actions affecting Russia’s property rights, as reported by RIA News.
The previous day, reporting cited by The New York Times referenced discussions among American and European officials. It was said that the Biden administration had begun urgent discussions with international partners about using blocked Russian assets, totaling more than $300 billion, to support Ukraine’s military efforts. Subsequently, White House Strategic Communications Coordinator John Kirby noted that Washington did not see the moment to discuss asset seizure as an option at that time.
According to Sheremet, the Biden administration and its allies should remember that any illegal act would trigger a response and consequences. He stressed that Russia was compelled to take countermeasures in response to what he described as the theft of its legitimate property.
“As a preventive measure, I propose initiating a legislative process that would permit a quick decision on seizing American assets in Russia if similar actions were taken by the United States,” the parliamentarian stated.
He additionally called for anyone seeking to seize the Russian Federation’s state property to be automatically designated as criminals and placed on international wanted lists, effectively creating a deterrent framework across borders.
Earlier, the European Commission reportedly disclosed the scale of frozen Russian sovereign assets within the European Union, underscoring the broader context of ongoing financial and political measures across regions. (Source: RIA News)