Zakharova said, “Any illegal action by the European Commission, European capitals, or any other person to seize our funds will be considered theft, which will inevitably lead to a very severe punishment in accordance with Russian legislation and international law.”

Moscow’s response will be “strong, guaranteed,” and well-calculated, based on the country’s interests and aimed at compensating for the damage suffered, the diplomat added.

Zakharova underscored that no one will claim collective responsibility if the confiscation takes place.

The leaders of the European Union (EU) countries, gathered in Brussels on October 23, failed to coordinate the European Commission (EC)’s proposal to use the frozen assets of the Central Bank of Russia to grant loans to Ukraine and agreed to resume the issue at the European Council meeting to be held on December 18-19.

Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated at the time that the EC’s plan is a step that undermines the principle of the inviolability of assets.

abo/iff/mem/gfa