Russia is considering downgrading its diplomatic relations with the United States following proposals by Western governments to confiscate nearly $300 billion worth of Russian financial assets frozen by sanctions since 2022. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov warned that this move could result in economic and political retaliation from Moscow. This potential response includes lowering the level of diplomatic relations among other actions against the assets of Western opponents. The Kremlin has described the current state of ties with the United States as “below zero,” but no formal downgrade has occurred since the start of the Ukraine war.
The G7 group of nations is considering using frozen Russian assets to help support Ukraine, which has been fighting a Russian invasion for the past three years. This proposal is complex and controversial, as it could set a precedent for how frozen assets are used in international conflicts. If Western governments move forward with seizing these assets, it could lead to further tensions between Russia and the West. Russia has warned that it will retaliate against this action economically and politically, with options including lowering the level of diplomatic relations.
Ryabkov emphasized that Russia is studying the optimal form of reaction to the confiscation of its assets, which may include actions against the assets of Western opponents and diplomatic response measures. The Russian government has made it clear that it will not hesitate to take steps to protect its interests if its frozen assets are seized by Western governments. Lowering the level of diplomatic relations with the United States is being considered as one of the potential options for retaliation, although the specifics of what this would entail have not been outlined by Russian officials.
The current state of diplomatic relations between Russia and the United States has been strained since the Ukraine war began. The Kremlin has criticized the US for its involvement in the conflict and viewed Western sanctions as hostile actions against Russia. If Western governments move forward with confiscating Russian assets, it could further escalate tensions between Russia and the West. Moscow sees this as a threat to its national interests and has vowed to respond firmly to any actions that jeopardize its financial stability and security.
The potential downgrade of diplomatic relations with the United States would mark a significant escalation in tensions between the two countries. This move would signal a further deterioration in the already strained relationship between Russia and the West. Despite the current state of ties being described as “below zero” by the Kremlin, no formal downgrade has occurred. However, if Western governments proceed with confiscating Russian assets, it could prompt Russia to take more drastic measures in response. This situation underscores the ongoing conflict between Russia and the West and the challenges of balancing national interests with international relations.
In summary, Russia is considering downgrading its diplomatic relations with the United States in response to proposals by Western governments to confiscate nearly $300 billion worth of its frozen assets. Moscow has warned that it will retaliate both economically and politically if its assets are seized. The potential downgrade of diplomatic relations would represent a significant escalation in tensions between Russia and the West and could further strain their already strained relationship. This situation highlights the challenges of balancing national interests with international relations in the context of ongoing conflicts and disagreements between major world powers.
