Moscow, December 14, 2025 – Russia has pledged an imminent response to the European Union's decision to indefinitely freeze approximately €210 billion ($246 billion) in Russian Central Bank assets, with Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova describing the move as "outright ordinary robbery" and a violation of international law. In a statement released on December 13, 2025, Zakharova warned that Brussels' actions would primarily burden EU citizens while damaging the bloc's economic system and global reputation.
"Our response will not be delayed," Zakharova declared, referencing a lawsuit filed by the Bank of Russia on December 12 against Euroclear, the Brussels-based depository holding the majority of the frozen funds. The suit, lodged in the Moscow City Arbitration Court, seeks recovery of damages stemming from what Moscow calls unlawful restrictions preventing access to its securities and funds.
Zakharova accused EU leaders of concealing the true costs from their publics: "Brussels is carefully hiding the fact that it will be the citizens of EU countries who will pay the price for political ambitions." She argued that disposing of sovereign assets without consent constitutes an "absolutely illegal act" that "grossly violates the norms of international law," regardless of any "pseudo-legal tricks" employed for justification.
The diplomat highlighted internal EU divisions, noting that representatives from several member states have "openly declared their categorical rejection" of the scheme, which she portrayed as orchestrated by the European Commission and "aggressively Russophobic capitals." Countries like Belgium, Hungary, and others have expressed concerns over legal risks and potential retaliation.
Zakharova further linked the timing of the EU's decision to efforts to sabotage peace in Ukraine. "It is evident that Ursula von der Leyen and her cronies are also putting their efforts toward undermining the search for peaceful ways to resolve the Ukrainian crisis," she said. "Hence the urgency and timing chosen for deciding on Russian assets to directly undermine the peace initiatives of US President Donald Trump."
This accusation ties into ongoing U.S.-led diplomatic efforts, including revised peace proposals discussed in recent weeks, amid reports of a leaked 28-point plan and subsequent refinements involving Ukraine and European allies.
The EU's indefinite freeze, approved on December 12, 2025, eliminates the previous requirement for sanctions renewal every six months, addressing vulnerabilities to vetoes from pro-Russia governments like Hungary. The measure paves the way for a proposed "reparations loan" of up to €165 billion to Ukraine, backed by the immobilized assets, to fund military and civilian needs in 2026-2027. Ukraine would repay only if Russia provides war reparations, effectively advancing future compensation.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the decision, stating it sends a "clear signal to Russia that as long as this brutal war of aggression continues, Russia’s costs will steadily increase." The plan includes safeguards, such as shared risk among member states, to address Belgium's concerns over potential lawsuits against Euroclear.
Russia's Central Bank has vowed to pursue legal remedies globally, including international arbitration, to enforce judgments. Analysts note that while Moscow courts may rule in Russia's favor, enforcement abroad remains challenging due to sovereign immunity principles.
The asset freeze stems from sanctions imposed after Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Euroclear holds about €185-193 billion of the total, generating significant windfall profits already partially redirected to Kyiv under prior agreements.
Zakharova's remarks underscore Moscow's view that the EU's actions resort to "theft" amid an "unbearable" burden from supporting Ukraine. She criticized the Commission's invocation of emergency measures, calling it "self-exposure" of economic strain within the bloc.
As tensions escalate, the dispute highlights broader strains in international finance, with risks of reciprocal seizures affecting global investor confidence. Russia has previously countered Western sanctions by freezing foreign assets domestically.
The situation coincides with intensified diplomatic activity around Ukraine peace talks, where asset disposition remains a contentious issue in proposed frameworks.
