Putin Warns that the West’s Appropriation of Russia’s Assets Will Face Consequences

MOSCOW—President Vladimir Putin denounced on Friday the plans of Western countries to provide loans to Ukraine using interest from Russian assets frozen abroad as theft that would not go unpunished.

Speaking at a meeting with Foreign Ministry officials, Mr. Putin criticized the West’s treatment of Moscow, warning that any country could be vulnerable to similar asset freezes.

“Despite all the deception, theft will always be theft and will face consequences,” Mr. Putin stated.

He emphasized the uncertainty surrounding the safety of assets and reserves of various countries, companies, and sovereign funds both legally and economically.

“Anyone could be at risk of being confiscated by the U.S. and the West,” he added.

Mr. Putin’s remarks followed the announcement by the Group of Seven major democracies of an agreement to provide $50 billion in loans for Ukraine using interest from Russian sovereign assets frozen after Moscow’s military intervention in Ukraine in 2022.

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