Russia Warns UK Over £1bn Frozen Asset Use, Threatens British Property Seizure

Russian Deputy Security Council Chairman Dmitry Medvedev has threatened to seize British property in Russia in retaliation for the UK using over £1 billion of frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's military efforts. Medvedev asserted that since the frozen funds cannot be recovered legally, Russia would compensate by appropriating 'Ukrainian land' or British-owned assets, escalating tensions amid ongoing sanctions. The UK Ministry of Defence confirmed the frozen assets were used to purchase substantial military supplies for Ukraine, including artillery ammunition and air defence missiles. Moscow’s Foreign Ministry condemned Western military support for Ukraine and rejected any foreign military presence in a peace deal, viewing security guarantees for Kyiv as threats to Europe. UK officials, including Defence Secretary John Healey, confirmed the military aid was financed by these frozen assets, highlighting the broader Western effort to pressure Moscow amid the war. Despite Russian warnings, NATO leaders and Ukraine continue discussions on security arrangements, underscoring the ongoing geopolitical conflict.