Freezing of Russian assets, Moscow threatens retaliation and warns the EU

The European Union’s decision to freeze Russian assets provokes a reaction from Moscow. Zakharova announces countermeasures while the peace plan for Ukraine is discussed in Berlin

The freezing of Russian assets decided by the European Union further exacerbates the confrontation with Moscow. Russia will take immediate response measures, said Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, noting that the Russian Central Bank has already published a detailed note and that “concrete measures are being implemented”.

On the European political front, the freezing of Russian assets also divides Italy. Deputy Prime Minister and League leader Matteo Salvini called Brussels’ decision “imprudent”, warning that confiscating property and assets could lead to similar retaliation against European companies operating in Russia. Salvini pointed out that there are over 300 Italian companies operating in the country and reiterated that “Italy is not at war with Russia”.

Meanwhile, a new round of talks on the peace plan for Ukraine is scheduled for tomorrow in Berlin, with the participation of foreign policy advisers from the United States, Ukraine and Europe. On Monday, Chancellor Friedrich Merz will meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky, along with several European leaders and the heads of the European Union and NATO.

During the summit, the issue of freezing Russian assets will once again take centre stage, with the possibility of using the frozen assets as collateral for new loans to Kiev. The issue will also be addressed at the European Council meeting on 18 and 19 December in Brussels.

According to Axios, “significant progress” has been made in negotiations on security guarantees for Ukraine. The Trump administration is reportedly ready to propose a security guarantee inspired by NATO’s Article 5, to be put to a vote in Congress, making it binding.

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(con fonte AdnKronos)