By Matt Underwood Top Russian banker says the EU faces 50 years of litigation if it takes Russia’s frozen assets, huh? Well, isn’t that precious? This whole situation has a distinct air of “pot calling the kettle black.” Russia, a country that seems to have a tenuous grasp on the concept of international law, is now threatening legal action? It’s like a toddler throwing a tantrum because you took away their toy – a toy, by the way, that they stole from someone else. The sheer audacity is almost impressive.
It’s truly mind-boggling how Russia can even attempt to frame this as an issue of legality when they’ve blatantly disregarded international law, committed war crimes, and invaded a sovereign nation. The idea that they believe anyone will take their threats seriously is laughable. They seem to lack any real political power or clout on the global stage to enforce any kind of litigation. And honestly, the prediction of Russia even existing in its current form in fifty years feels pretty generous, given the state of affairs.
I mean, the EU’s response should be simple and direct: “We do not recognize the authority of Russian justice within our borders. Go fuck yourselves.” Considering the myriad of international laws Russia has broken, including a full-blown war, they’re really in no position to be demanding legal protection. Isn’t it ironic that Russia, after seizing European assets themselves, is now whining about the potential consequences? The entire situation is a self-inflicted wound.
Let’s be honest, the value of some frozen assets pales in comparison to the scale of the atrocities committed by Russia. We’re talking about a country that has killed hundreds of thousands of people, targeted civilians, and engaged in widespread destruction. Focusing on litigation over money seems almost absurdly low on the priority list at this point.
The EU is already accustomed to the rigors of litigation, having thousands of cases running at any given time. So, a threat of a 50-year legal battle? It just doesn’t have the intended impact. Plus, Russia is essentially threatening the masters of bureaucracy and litigation. It’s like threatening to drown a fish in water. It’s an empty threat, a bluff.
The question of what Russian law they would even use to sue the EU is interesting. They don’t have enough money to pay their lawyers. What are they going to do, threaten to stop providing the West with their raw resources? They’ve already seized foreign assets, and their economy is a mess. Russia is currently disconnecting itself from the international market. What exactly are they going to do about any potential ruling?
The money seized should go to the Ukrainians for reparations. It should be used to support their defense, rebuild their infrastructure, and help them recover from the devastation caused by Russia’s invasion. Russia is trying to sound tough, but no European court would rule in their favor. It’s a waste of their limited resources, allowing them to shoot themselves in the foot again.
Ultimately, the threats from the top Russian banker ring hollow. It’s a case of a country that doesn’t respect international law trying to demand it. The EU can, and should, proceed with seizing the assets and using them to support Ukraine. This is about justice, accountability, and standing up to an aggressor. And frankly, the world is waiting for it. The EU should take the assets and use them for the good of Ukraine and its people. That’s what matters, not some empty threats.