Russia Warns US: Diplomatic Ties at Risk If Assets Confiscated

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov has issued a warning to the United States, saying that Russia may cut diplomatic ties if Washington confiscates Russian assets frozen over the Ukrainian war. Ryabkov emphasized that the US should not be under the illusion that Russia is clinging to diplomatic relations with them, as he described relations with the United States as below zero. Ryabkov stated that Russia would not be the one to initiate a break in diplomatic ties, but such a rupture could be prompted by a variety of factors, including asset confiscation and further military escalation.

🚨Very angry Russians today! It's clear that this is extremely provoking to Russia. With Russia considering terminating diplomatic relations with the United States in the event of asset confiscation or increased military action in Ukraine, we're at a pivotal moment. So, why wait?… pic.twitter.com/Bd0GLmEEaB

— gandalv fellas 💎 (@Microinteracti1) December 22, 2023

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov added that any move to confiscate Russian assets would deal a serious blow to the global financial system. The Russian government has hit back against Western sanctions aimed at punishing it for the Ukraine war and hindering its ability to finance it. President Vladimir Putin recently ordered that two European concerns, Wintershall Dea and OMV, be stripped of multi-billion-dollar stakes in gas projects in the Russian Arctic. Overall, Russia's stance on the matter is clear: they are ready for any scenario and will not hesitate to take action if any further aggression is taken against them.