'EU Supports Ukraine with Frozen Russian Assets' vs Russia's Criticism of "Theft"

Russia has strongly criticized the use of profits from frozen Russian assets held by the West to support the Ukrainian military, calling it "theft."

The Ukrainian military is conducting military training near the front lines.
[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

On the 23rd (local time), Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesperson, stated in a briefing, "We will not leave such theft without reciprocal response," emphasizing, "this money was stolen." He also warned, "Everyone involved in making and implementing this decision will be prosecuted," calling it "a direct violation of international law and an infringement of property rights."

The day before, Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, announced that the first tranche of 1.4 billion euros (approximately 2.1086 trillion KRW) in profits from frozen Russian assets is scheduled to be used to support Ukraine in early next month.

Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also stated regarding the EU's use of frozen Russian assets, "We have repeatedly said that we will respond very harshly," adding, "How we respond will be decided through interdepartmental consultations depending on the matter."