Russia threatens 'painful response' if EU takes its frozen assets

Russia said on Thursday it will deliver a "painful response" to any move by the European Union (EU) to seize its frozen assets.

The warning came as EU leaders met in Brussels to discuss a plan to use the assets as the basis for a 140 billion euro ($163 billion) "reparations loan" to Ukraine.

"Any actions with Russian assets without Russia's consent are null and void from the standpoint of international and contract law. There is no legal way to take someone else's funds without hurting the pockets and prestige of those who expropriate them," Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said.

"Any confiscatory initiatives from Brussels will inevitably result in a painful response. We will act in full compliance with the principle of reciprocity in international relations, based on our own interests and the need to compensate for the damage caused to Russia."

Under the EU plan, the Russian assets would not be confiscated, as Russia would retain its claim on the money held in Belgian securities depository Euroclear. But Zakharova said the scheme showed that Europe was "no longer a safe haven for financial assets".

She added: "Trusting Western Europeans, including Euroclear, with your funds now risks their complete loss. We urge you to think twice before taking reckless actions."