Russia’s Central Bank announced on Thursday that it will file a lawsuit in a Russian arbitration court to recover losses from European banks arising from the freezing of its assets.
“In connection with the ongoing attempts by the authorities of the European Union to seize/use unlawfully, without the consent of the Bank of Russia, its assets held in EU financial institutions, including the imposition of a permanent immobilization of its assets,” the central bank said in a statement.
“In line with its previously stated position to ensure the protection of its interests, the Bank of Russia hereby announces that it will seek compensation from European banks in a Russian arbitration court for the unlawful blocking and use of its assets, in the amount of the assets illegally held and the lost profits,” the statement added.
The central bank also recalled that it had previously filed a lawsuit against Belgium-based Euroclear at the Moscow Arbitration Court on December 12, Euronews reported.
It was reported that the Bank of Russia is seeking 18.2 trillion rubles (approximately $229.7 billion) in compensation from Euroclear.
On Friday, EU member states decided to “mobilize indefinitely” frozen Russian assets worth €210 billion (about $246 billion).
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas also stated that the €210 billion would remain within EU territory unless Russia compensates for the damage it has caused to Ukraine during the ongoing war, which is approaching its fourth year.
