Russian authorities hinted on Sunday at the possibility of seizing the assets of some countries it considers unfriendly, in response to the US proposal to liquidate the confiscated assets of Russian wealthy people and transfer the proceeds to Ukraine.
Russian Parliament Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin wrote on his Telegram that "it is fair, with regard to a company located on Russian soil and whose owners are from unfriendly countries where such decisions are made (the seizure of Russian assets), to respond with similar measures and seize these assets,” adding that “these proceeds will be used in the development of our country.”
He accused "a number of unfriendly countries such as Lithuania, Latvia, Poland and even the United States" of not respecting international law and "simply resorting to theft."
"Now, Russian businessmen are buying up foreign companies operating in Russia, and the shares of partners who want to leave our market," Volodin said. He urged "unfriendly" countries to act in a civilized manner and respect international law.
He also noted that the US Congress adopted earlier this week a non-binding text calling on President Joe Biden to sell seized Russian assets and transfer the proceeds to Ukraine.
"A dangerous precedent has been set and will turn against the United States itself. This decision will not affect the economy of our country. Yachts, villas and other properties seized from wealthy (Russian) citizens does not in any way contribute to the development of Russia,” he said.