Russia prepares counteraction blueprint amid asset confiscation risk

Russia’s Ministry of Finance will implement reciprocal measures if Russian assets are confiscated, and a draft of such steps has already been prepared, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said.

He told reporters in the State Duma that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had earlier sent EU states a letter outlining formal proposals on expropriating Russian assets and two alternative loan-based options for financing Ukraine, Caliber.Az reports via TASS.

“Similar measures. A draft of such steps has already been prepared in case unfriendly actions are taken by Western countries. So this package is part of our proposals,” Siluanov said when asked about Russia’s response to potential asset seizures.

His remarks came after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed several options for financing Ukraine, including the use of €140 billion in frozen Russian assets to help cover the war-damaged country’s budget deficit.

Von der Leyen has called on EU members to agree by December on a plan to fill Ukraine’s €135.7 billion funding shortfall for 2026–2027, according to a letter sent to the 27 leaders and seen by Euronews.

The Commission chief laid out three possible mechanisms: at least €90 billion in voluntary bilateral contributions from member states; joint EU borrowing that requires unanimous approval; or a reparations-linked loan backed by frozen Russian assets worth up to €140 billion, which Kyiv would repay only once Moscow accepts responsibility for war damages.

She stressed that Europe “cannot afford paralysis” in meeting Ukraine’s military and financial needs.

By Jeyhun Aghazada