Russian ambassador warns EU of ‘theft’
Berlin (dpa) – The Russian ambassador Sergej Netschajew in Germany has described the plans to use the Russian assets frozen in the EU for the rearmament of Ukraine as “theft” and threatened with consequences. “Any disposal of sovereign Russian assets without Russia’s consent, regardless of the machinations of the European Commission, is nothing but theft,” said a statement from the chief diplomat released by the embassy.
Merz wants to enable interest-free loans of 140 billion euros
Previously, Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz reaffirmed his proposal for the use of Russian assets in his government statement in the Bundestag, which he intends to advocate at the EU summit next week in Brussels. He wants to use the assets of the Russian central bank frozen in Belgium for interest-free loans for Ukraine totaling 140 billion euros. The Russian President Vladimir Putin must recognize that “our support for Ukraine is not diminishing, but increasing – and that he cannot expect to outlast us,” said the Chancellor.
Netschajew: “Null and void from an international law perspective”
Russia warns “strongly” against such an approach, commented Netschajew on the plans. “Theft is a crime. Such a step would completely destroy the reputation of the European Union as a reliable refuge for sovereign financial reserves.” Trust in the EU’s financial sector and the euro would be undermined, triggering capital outflows and worsening the investment climate.
“And of course, this step, which is null and void from an international law perspective, would not go without consequences, with the entire responsibility lying with the EU and its member states,” Netschajew added. He left open what consequences he meant. (October 16)
