Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a stark warning to Western countries over reports that Ukraine may seize Russian assets.
The Kremlin threatened Europe and the United States on Friday with “serious consequences” if Russian assets abroad were offered to support Ukraine’s funding and war effort. These could include retaliatory financial sanctions and the severance of diplomatic relations.
It comes after Ukrainian air force commanders announced that they had shot down three Russian Su-34 bombers over the south of the country in a blow to President Putin. Su-34 aircraft are equipped with guided bombs and Kh-59 missiles and can carry out long-range attacks.
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy cited a report by the country’s military intelligence agency, HUR, that indicated a significant decline in Russia’s military-industrial complex, nearly 22 months after the massive Russian military invasion.
It comes after the Dutch government announced it was preparing to provide 18 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine to support the country, which is increasingly concerned about aid from its Western allies.