In a strong statement issued on Friday, a top Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, vowed that Russia will not let the European Union's decision regarding the transfer of frozen Russian assets to Ukraine go unanswered. While he clarified that there will be no immediate response, Russia will carefully consider its next steps in light of this development.

The European Commission recently authorized the release of €1.5 billion ($1.6 billion) in interest income derived from frozen Russian assets. This marks the first time the EU has taken such action. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen further explained that the funds are intended to support Ukraine's defense efforts against the ongoing Russian invasion and contribute to the country's overall reconstruction.

Notably, the European Commission revealed that approximately €210 billion in assets owned by the Russian central bank have been frozen within the EU as a response to the Ukrainian invasion. Euroclear, a financial institution based in Brussels, recently disclosed that it had accumulated around €4.4 billion in interest from these frozen assets in the year 2023.

While Peskov did not provide specifics on the nature of Russia's response, his comments leave no doubt that Russia will take action to address the EU's decision. It remains to be seen how Russia will proceed in the face of this financial development, which directly affects its financial interests.

The European Union's decision to unlock the interest income from the frozen Russian assets serves as a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between Russia and the EU. This move demonstrates the EU's commitment to supporting Ukraine financially and militarily in its struggle against the Russian invasion.

As the situation continues to unfold, all eyes will be on Russia's response and the potential ramifications it may have on the already strained relationship between Russia and the European Union.