IMF issues warning about confiscating frozen Russian assets
RTJAN 2024
Russia Ready to Retaliate Against Seizure of Assets
Image copyright: Contributor/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Russia narrative
The US has already bankrupted Europe's defense industry by dragging it into this war, but confiscating sanctions will destroy the economy more broadly. Not only is this idea pure thievery, but it would also damage European business competitiveness. Some countries have already raised this alarm, but it's incumbent upon the whole bloc to reject this flawed proposal.
Anti-Russia narrative
Governments across the globe are trying to fund not only Ukraine's defense but also compensation for the victims of Russia's invasion. Lawyers have pointed out that due to these internationally recognized compensatory provisions, confiscation is actually legal. Those who fund illegal invasions automatically waive their property rights, and their money will be used to rebuild rather than destroy.