Putin Warns Europe: Using Frozen Russian Assets for Ukraine Will Have Serious Consequences

Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a stern warning to the European Union regarding its potential use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. During his annual televised address, Putin described the idea as more than simple theft, calling it outright robbery. He criticized European leaders for considering the allocation of Russia’s frozen funds held in the EU, stating such actions would not remain without serious consequences.

The warning comes as EU leaders recently agreed to grant Ukraine a loan of 90 billion euros over the next two years, aiming to support the country without immediately tapping into the nearly 200 billion euros of Russian assets held in Brussels. While the EU discussed the possibility of using these assets as loan collateral, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever opposed this move even as he hailed the loan arrangement as a victory for European and financial stability. In response, Putin announced Russia would challenge any asset seizure in independent courts, with the Russian Central Bank already launching a lawsuit in Moscow.

Putin emphasized that confiscating the frozen assets would erode credibility in the eurozone and undermine trust in European financial systems. He also claimed Russian forces are advancing in Ukraine, predicting new territorial gains before year’s end. The annual press conference, which allows Russian citizens to ask the president questions directly, also featured an update that Russia had handed over the bodies of about 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers, confirmed by both sides. Earlier in the week, Putin threatened to expand Russia’s campaign in Ukraine if Kiev and its Western allies continue to reject Moscow’s demands.