Russia to retaliate swiftly against EU's illegal asset freeze: spokesperson

MOSCOW -- Russia will take swift retaliatory measures against the European Union's illegal freezing of Russian assets, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova warned on Saturday.

In a statement on the ministry's website, Zakharova condemned the EU's actions as a serious violation of international law, saying that any freezing or confiscation of Russia's sovereign assets constituted illegal disposal without Moscow's consent.

"Our response will not be delayed," she said, noting that the Bank of Russia had already filed a lawsuit against Brussels-based central securities depository Euroclear for damages in Moscow's Arbitration Court.

The lawsuit addresses Euroclear's unlawful activities and the European Commission's consideration of using Russia's assets without authorization. Zakharova also criticized EU officials, particularly European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, for hindering peaceful efforts to resolve the Ukraine crisis.

She warned that the EU's actions would damage not only its own financial system but also its global reputation, impacting its status as a reliable trade and investment partner.

On Friday, the EU announced it would indefinitely freeze Russian assets to facilitate the use of those funds for Ukraine's financial and military needs.

This move bypasses the previous requirement for unanimous approval from all EU members to extend asset freezes. At an upcoming EU Summit on Thursday, leaders will discuss using the frozen assets as collateral for "reparation loans" to Ukraine.