Dmitry Medvedev, former Russian president and Deputy Chairman of the Security Council, has said Russia may regard a decision by the EU to use frozen Russian assets for a "reparation loan" to Ukraine as a pretext for war against European countries. European Pravda, citing Medvedev on X (Twitter)
"If the crazy EU does steal frozen Russian assets for a 'reparations loan', we may view it as a casus belli [justification for war – ed.] with all the relevant implications for Brussels & Co."
Medvedev claimed that such actions under international law could be treated as a special casus belli, with all the consequences this would entail for Brussels and individual EU countries. He added that reversing these steps would not happen through courts, but through real reparations paid in kind by Russia's defeated enemies.
Medvedev is known for making eccentric remarks that are not officially made by Russia's senior officials but generally reflect the views and sentiments of the Russian leadership.
His comments echo threats made earlier this week by Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, who claimed Europe is obstructing peace and warned that "if Europe wants war, Russia is ready".
