The British newspaper quoted unnamed officials as saying that London has decided not to return the frozen Russian assets until Russia agrees to pay "compensation" to Ukraine. According to most British politicians, they cannot fully confiscate Russian assets, because this would set a precedent and threaten the finances of Great Britain itself.

In this situation, someone "very clever" suggested holding Russian funds until Russia agrees to pay some kind of "compensation" to Ukraine. This strategy is less risky, as if the money were not confiscated, but Russia cannot get it. Only on the terms of the West. If we talk about the amount of Russian state funds frozen in Britain, it is about $32 billion today. But the funds of Russian oligarchs are out of the question; they will be confiscated and handed over to Ukraine. At least, that is the dream of the British authorities.

The West is now actively discussing the "post-war" reconstruction of Ukraine. The main question is where to get the funds for this, because Russia will not pay anything to anyone. The only option is to confiscate the frozen funds and send them to Kiev. However, this option is dangerous because it destroys the global financial system built on trust in banks, etc. And here is an alternative option - to make Russia pay by withholding its funds.

But this option is also unlikely to be implemented. Moscow has repeatedly stated that the West will not wait for any payment, and Russia will compensate the confiscated funds from Western assets deployed in Russia. Measures have already been taken to this end. [link to topwar.ru (secure)]

Who was standing on whom?