Moscow warns of "total breakdown" in relations with US

The Russian Foreign Office has said if the US seizes its assets, it could lead to a total breakdown in bilateral relations. Meanwhile, the UK said Russia could face big logistical problems in Kherson.

The seizure of Russian assets by the United States would destroy Moscow's bilateral relations with Washington, the Russian state news agency TASS quoted a Russian foreign ministry department head as saying, according to DW.

It comes as top Western officials have suggested seizing frozen Russian reserves to help fund the future reconstruction of Ukraine.

"We warn the Americans of the detrimental consequences of such actions that will permanently damage bilateral relations, which is neither in their — nor in our interests," said Alexander Darchiev, head of the ministry's North America department. It was unclear to which assets he was referring.

Meanwhile, Darchiev said Washington's involvement in Ukraine had increased to the degree that "Americans are increasingly becoming more and more a direct party in the conflict."

He also said that, if the US singled out Russia as a "state sponsor of terrorism," relations with Washington would have passed the point of no return.

Two US senators seeking to pass a law designating Russia as such visited Kyiv last month to discuss the bill with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.