The European Union has received a stark warning regarding its plans to seize £80 billion worth of Russian assets. Dmitry Medvedev, a close ally of President Vladimir Putin, stated that such a move could be interpreted by the Kremlin as a "casus belli," or an act of war. Medvedev expressed that if the EU attempts to confiscate Russian assets frozen in Belgium under the pretext of a "reparations loan," it would be seen as a direct provocation. He warned, "Russia may well view this move as tantamount to a casus belli with all the relevant implications for Brussels and individual EU countries."

The European Commission is proposing this significant financial initiative to support Ukraine amid ongoing conflict. The plan aims to raise nearly £80 billion by either seizing Russian assets or borrowing against those already frozen. This proposal represents the largest financial strategy related to the war thus far.

Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating, "We are proposing to cover two-thirds of Ukraine's financing needs for the next two years. That's €90 billion. Since pressure is the only language the Kremlin responds to, we can also dial it up."

The EU's strategy reflects its commitment to aiding Ukraine, but it also raises significant geopolitical tensions. Medvedev's comments underscore the potential risks involved in escalating the conflict through financial measures. As the situation develops, the implications of the EU's actions will be closely monitored by both member states and the Kremlin.