Russia threatens to confiscate assets “tit-for-tat” with “hostile” countries

This move is in response to Washington’s proposal to sell the assets confiscated by Russian oligarchs to support Ukraine.

“Regarding companies located on Russian territory and whose owners are citizens of hostile countries, where the decision to seize Russian assets has been made, tit-for-tat retaliation and confiscation of property is fair,” emphasized the speaker of the Russian lower house of parliament Vyacheslav Volodin on social networks Telegramand added that confiscated assets can be sold for the purpose of developing Russia.

Mr Volodin accused “certain hostile countries, including Lithuania, Latvia, Poland and even the US”, of violating international law by “pure theft”.

Mr Volodin urged “hostile” countries to act “civilized and respect international law”.

Speaker of the Russian lower house of parliament Vyacheslav Volodin. Photo: Reuters

These statements come not long after US President Joe Biden proposed to accelerate the confiscation of assets of Russian oligarchs to increase pressure on Moscow. The confiscated properties, according to the White House boss, can be sold to help rebuild Ukraine.

During a press conference in New York City on May 1, Democratic leader in the US Senate Chuck Schumer vowed to act on President Biden’s proposal to add new provisions in the 33-year aid package. billion dollars for Ukraine. The purpose is to allow Washington to confiscate and sell the assets of Russian billionaires in order to send money directly to Ukraine Reuters.

The additional provisions would strengthen the foreclosure process of Russian oligarchs in the United States, Schumer said, and allow for expedited reviews in federal court, as required. White House bridge.

Chuck Schumer, Democratic leader in the US Senate. Photo: Reuters