Russia Warns "West Will Take Symmetrical Action If Frozen Assets Are Seized"

G7 Considers Seizing Russian Frozen Assets to Support Ukraine

Russia recently warned it would take "symmetrical actions" after the Group of Seven (G7), led by the United States, moved to seize approximately $300 billion (about 390 trillion won) of its frozen assets to support Ukraine.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

According to major foreign media on the 31st, Dmitry Birichevskiy, Director of the Economic Cooperation Department at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated in an interview with Sputnik News the previous day, "If Russian assets or part of them are seized, we must act symmetrically."

Birichevskiy said, "I will not specify the exact amount as it falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Russia (Central Bank)," but added, "The scale of funds that could be subject to our retaliatory measures is considerable." He emphasized, "We are preparing for developments related to the frozen assets."

He also mentioned the possibility of mutually exchanging frozen assets held by the West and assets of unfriendly countries under Russia’s jurisdiction.

Birichevskiy expressed willingness to negotiate, saying, "If the other side is ready to talk, we are open as well."

Currently, the G7, led by the United States, is reportedly discussing plans to hold a summit around February 24 next year, marking two years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, to seize about $300 billion of Russian assets held overseas. The White House is exploring ways to use Russia’s frozen assets to support Ukraine, as the passage of Ukraine aid bills in the U.S. Congress has stalled due to opposition from Republicans.

Ukraine is currently running low on weapons as Western support has been delayed. Following the effective failure of its major counteroffensive operation last summer, assessments suggest it is facing the worst-case scenario.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.