Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior European affairs analyst stated that Russia’s sharp reaction to the decision by Britain and the European Union to use Moscow’s frozen assets in favor of Ukraine has once again revealed new dimensions of the West’s economic war against Russia. The Russian embassy in London described the allocation of over one billion pounds of its blocked funds to purchase weapons for Ukraine as a “criminal act”. It warned that such policies would not only weaken London’s financial and political credibility in the world but would also not go unanswered. Simultaneously, the European Commission is also considering transferring 200 billion euros of Russian assets for the reconstruction of Ukraine—a decision that Moscow has described as a clear violation of international law.
Experts believe that by arming Ukraine using Russia’s frozen resources, the West has not only escalated the level of economic confrontation but has also challenged the traditional rules of the international financial and trade system. While Russia is seeking ways to circumvent sanctions through some of its partners, Europe and Britain are also determined to maintain pressure. It appears that this economic war is no longer confined to the conflict over Ukraine, and its effects will continue for years to come, redefining international relations and creating new geopolitical blocs.