Putin Accuses the European Union of Attempting to Steal Russia's Reserves
Putin accuses the European Union of attempting to steal Russian state reserves and calls for the return of the stolen assets.
SUMMARY
Russian President Vladimir Putin accused the European Union of attempting to steal Russia's frozen state reserves, affirming that Russia will defend its interests and seek to establish independent courts to recover its funds. This came in response to the EU's decision to provide loans worth 90 billion euros to Ukraine for 2026-2027, which increased the debt of some EU countries such as France.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Putin accuses the European Union of attempting to steal Russia's frozen state reserves.
- Putin confirms Russia's pursuit to establish independent courts to recover its funds.
- The European Union approves providing 90 billion euros in loans to Ukraine for 2026-2027.
- Putin warns that using Russian funds could undermine confidence in international financial markets.
CORE SUBJECT
Putin's accusation against the European Union for stealing Russia's reserves
Russian President Vladimir Putin accused the European Union of attempting to "steal" Russia's state reserves, claiming that these attempts have so far failed.
He added that Russia will continue to defend its interests and will seek to establish politically independent courts to respond to the request for the return of the billions of frozen state assets in the European Union. Putin said today, Friday, "No matter how much they steal, the (stolen goods) must be returned at some point."
Putin made these remarks in response to a question about the implications of a decision taken at the EU level last night to support Ukraine by providing loans worth billions of dollars. He said these loans have led to an increase in the debt of EU countries such as France.
At the same time, Putin reiterated that the EU's attempt to use Russian government funds could undermine confidence in international financial markets.
Putin was responding to questions from journalists and citizens during the annual Q&A session broadcast by official television in Moscow.
Earlier, European Council President António Costa said the European Union had agreed to provide Ukraine with 90 billion euros ($105.5 billion) for the years 2026 and 2027.
Costa said in a post on the social media platform X early Friday morning: "We have reached an agreement. The decision to provide support worth 90 billion euros to Ukraine for the period 2026-2027 has been approved. We committed, and we delivered."
EU leaders meeting in Brussels reached a compromise after plans to use billions of euros from frozen Russian state assets to cover Ukraine's funding needs in the coming years failed to gain the necessary support.
KEYWORDS
MENTIONED ENTITIES 6
Vladimir Putin
👤 Person_MaleRussian President
European Union
🏛️ OrganizationPolitical and economic organization of European countries
António Costa
👤 Person_MalePresident of the European Council
Ukraine
📍 Location_CountryCountry in Eastern Europe
France
📍 Location_CountryMember country of the European Union
Brussels
📍 Location_CityCapital of Belgium and headquarters of the European Union
NOTABLE QUOTES 2
"No matter how much they steal, the (stolen goods) must be returned at some point."
Context: Putin's remarks during the annual Q&A session
"We have reached an agreement. The decision to provide support worth 90 billion euros to Ukraine for the period 2026-2027 has been approved. We committed, and we delivered."
Context: Post on social media platform X
KEY DECISIONS 1
Approval to provide 90 billion euros in support to Ukraine for the period 2026-2027
FACTUAL CLAIMS 3
The European Union attempted to steal Russia's frozen state reserves but has so far failed.
The loans provided by the European Union to Ukraine have led to increased debt for EU countries such as France.
The European Union's attempt to use Russian government funds could undermine confidence in international financial markets.