Kremlin: Russia Will Not Leave Transfer Of Its Assets Frozen By The European Union To Ukraine

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. (Wikimedia Commons/Kremlin.ru)

JAKARTA - Russia will carefully consider how to respond to the transfer of the European Union to Ukraine of 1.5 billion euros (IDR 26,515,917,795,000) taken from the freezing of Russian assets, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday.

In a briefing with journalists Peskov said the EU's move was "illegal" and Russia would take "acts that were carefully thought of" in response.

"Such steps by the European Commission will not be left alone," Peskov said.

Earlier, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the European Union would transfer the funds to Kyiv on Friday for "Ukraine defense and reconstruction."

Western countries blocked about USD 300 billion in Russian assets after Moscow sent troops to Ukraine in February 2022.

Last month, Groups Seven (G7) and the European Union agreed to use interest obtained from frozen Russian assets to support a $50 billion loan to Ukraine to help its defenses against the Moscow invasion.

Separately, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal thanked the European Union.

"Thank you von der Leyen and the European Union for your steadfast support and significant contribution to Ukraine's defense and reconstruction. Together, we turn difficulties into strength and build a safer and more resilient Europe," he said.

It is known, Russia has repeatedly threatened to retaliate against the use of frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine.