Kremlin labels frozen asset transfer to Ukraine as ‘theft’

The transfer of $1 billion from frozen Russian assets to Ukraine could lead to future legal action, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated, describing the move as theft.

“Speaking in Russian, the money has been stolen from us. The blocked assets have been frozen absolutely illegitimately. This contradicts all norms and regulations,” Peskov stated.

“We will surely use all possibilities to protect our rights and the rights to our property,” he added.

Ukraine confirmed receiving the funds as the first tranche of a $20 billion US pledge under a G7 initiative.

The plan, announced in October, involves using proceeds from frozen Russian sovereign assets to provide $50 billion in loans to Ukraine, with $30 billion to be jointly allocated by the G7 and EU.

Attribution: TASS

Subediting: M. S. Salama