Kremlin pledges response to EU decision to use proceeds from reinvestment of frozen Russian assets

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) – Russia will respond to the expropriation of €1.5 billion ($1.63) in proceeds from the reinvestment of frozen Russian assets, directed by the European Commission to Ukraine, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov warned on Friday.

At a press briefing in Moscow, Peskov commented on the EU's decision to allocate most of the funds to the European Peace Facility to compensate EU countries for weapons supplied to Ukraine.

He emphasized that Russia's response "must be carefully considered and fully aligned with Russian interests."

Regarding media reports of a Russian citizen detained in Paris for allegedly attempting to disturb the Olympics, Peskov said he has seen the reports but has no additional information.

In response to US presidential hopeful Donald Trump's statement that he reminded Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Russia's victory over Hitler and Napoleon, Peskov said, "It's probably useful for most of the American audience."

"They are likely unaware of this history because it hasn't been taught to them, so it might spark some interest in Russia's history following Trump's comments," he added.

Commenting on the state of the Russian economy, Peskov noted that President Vladimir Putin is satisfied with the government's and Central Bank's performance, highlighting positive economic indicators.

Addressing Russia's demographic challenges, Peskov mentioned that the measures implemented do not yield immediate results but have a delayed effect.