Russia Threatens Severe Consequences over Frozen Assets as Ukraine Fights BackAlternatively (preferred): Russia Warns West Over Confiscated Assets Amidst Intense Ukrainian-Russian Conflict

Russian officials have warned the West of severe consequences if frozen Russian assets are confiscated, promising legal challenges and retaliatory measures. Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson for Russia’s Foreign Ministry, stated that Moscow would not relinquish territories it has seized from Ukraine in exchange for asset return. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, added that there is still significant Western money held by Russians which could be targeted as part of counter-measures. These threats come amidst negotiations to unlock Russia’s foreign assets as part of ongoing discussions around Ukraine peace efforts in Turkey and Poland. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces have retreated from several villages following Russian advances, with the army chief reporting a worsening situation at the frontlines. The most challenging areas are west of occupied Maryinka and Avdiivka, where Russia has deployed four brigades for ongoing offensives. Intense battles continue in Chasiv Yar near Bakhmut as Ukrainian officials suggest Russian forces aim to capture the town before May 9th’s Victory Day celebrations marking Soviet victory over Nazi Germany during World War II. The shortage of weapons and ammunition is reportedly giving Russian forces an advantage, while President Zelenskyy has urged rapid delivery of U.S. military aid, claiming promised supplies have yet to arrive.