---
title: "Russia threatens 'painful response' if EU takes its frozen assets"
description: "MOSCOW, Oct 23 (Reuters) - Russia said on Thursday it will deliver a \"painful response\" to any move by the European Union to seize its frozen assets."
type: "NewsArticle"
publisher: "Daily Maverick"
site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za"
section: "Newsdeck"
author: "Reuters"
author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/reuters/"
canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-10-23-russia-threatens-painful-response-if-eu-takes-its-frozen-assets/"
published: "2025-10-23T12:19:38"
updated: "2025-10-23T12:19:39"
lang: "en-ZA"
word_count: 203
---

# Russia threatens 'painful response' if EU takes its frozen assets

> MOSCOW, Oct 23 (Reuters) - Russia said on Thursday it will deliver a "painful response" to any move by the European Union to seize its frozen assets.

By Reuters · Published 23 October 2025, 14:19 SAST · Updated 23 October 2025, 14:19 SAST

## Key points
- As EU leaders plot a 140 billion euro reparations loan for Ukraine, Russia's Foreign Ministry warns that any attempts to lay claim to its assets without consent are as legally sound as a chocolate teapot, promising a retaliatory response that could make Brussels rethink its financial hospitality.
- EU leaders convene in Brussels to discuss a €140 billion reparations loan to Ukraine, potentially involving Russian assets.
- Russia warns that any actions on its assets without consent are illegitimate and will provoke a retaliatory response.
- The EU plan allows Russia to retain claims on its assets in Euroclear, avoiding outright confiscation.
- Russian officials caution that Europe is no longer a secure place for financial assets, urging caution for investors.

## Content

The warning came as EU leaders [met](https://www.reutersconnect.com/all?search=all%3AL8N3W40E8&linkedFromStory=true) in Brussels to discuss a plan to use the assets as the basis for a 140 billion euro ($163 billion) "reparations loan" to Ukraine.

"Any actions with Russian assets without Russia's consent are null and void from the standpoint of international and contract law. There is no legal way to take someone else's funds without hurting the pockets and prestige of those who expropriate them," Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters.

"Any confiscatory initiatives from Brussels will inevitably result in a painful response. We will act in full compliance with the principle of reciprocity in international relations, based on our own interests and the need to compensate for the damage caused to Russia."

Under the [EU plan](https://www.reutersconnect.com/all?search=all%3AL2N3VN0ER&linkedFromStory=true), the Russian assets would not be confiscated, as Russia would retain its claim on the money held in Belgian securities depository Euroclear.

But Zakharova said the scheme showed that Europe was "no longer a safe haven for financial assets".

She added: "Trusting Western Europeans, including Euroclear, with your funds now risks their complete loss. We urge you to think twice before taking reckless actions."

(Reporting by Dmitry Antonov; writing by Mark Trevelyan; editing by Guy Faulconbridge)