During his annual press conference on December 18, 2025, President Vladimir Putin warned of “severe” consequences if the European Union moves to use frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine’s recovery. He described the proposal as an act of “robbery” that would cross a red line in international relations.
Since the onset of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the EU has frozen assets belonging to the Russian central bank and state-owned enterprises. Officials in Brussels have been considering using a portion of these funds to support Ukraine’s reconstruction, citing moral and financial imperatives to aid a country under attack.
Analysts say that repurposing these assets could deepen the rift between Moscow and the West, potentially triggering countermeasures such as the suspension of energy exports or new restrictions on European companies operating in Russia. “This move would undermine trust and risk a further escalation of economic and political tensions,” warns Dr. Elena Morales, a senior fellow at the Global Policy Institute.
For young global citizens and business leaders, the standoff highlights the complex interplay of geopolitics, economics, and security. As the EU weighs its next steps, markets will be watching for signs of retaliation that could impact energy prices, supply chains, and cross-border investments.
With diplomatic channels strained, the coming weeks will be critical. Observers suggest that behind the rhetoric lies a broader battle over international norms, the rule of law, and the future of collective security in Europe.
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Putin warns of 'severe' consequences over 'robbery' of Russian assets
cgtn.com
