The spokeswoman emphasized, “European officials are brazenly trying to appropriate Russian funds; they believe that the more, the better for them. However, the fraudulent loan scheme they are promoting has caused an extremely restrained reaction in many European capitals.”

Zakharova added that the inclination toward fraud still gives way to fear of legal consequences and countermeasures. “I repeat once again that these measures will be very harsh.”

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever previously demanded full legal guarantees from the entire EU for the expropriation of Russian assets. Financial Times revealed that this position “irritated” some colleagues at the informal EU summit in Copenhagen.

Many argued that Belgium is doing too little to support Ukraine. However, Belgian officials supported De Wever, stating that he is acting to “protect national interests.”

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