Moscow announced the seizure of assets owned by several French enterprises, invoking domestic legislation that allows the state to appropriate foreign-owned property deemed linked to hostile activities. The move follows a series of legal actions taken by Russian authorities against foreign businesses that have been sanctioned or are perceived to support Ukraine.
The Russian foreign ministry also summoned the United Kingdom's ambassador in Moscow, delivering a formal protest against what it described as British interference in the country's internal affairs. Officials said the summons was a response to the United Kingdom's continued military and financial assistance to Kyiv, which Moscow characterises as a breach of international law.
French diplomatic representatives expressed concern over the asset seizures, stating that the action undermines the principle of protecting foreign investment and could have broader repercussions for European businesses operating in Russia. The French foreign ministry indicated that it would seek clarification from Moscow on the legal basis for the confiscations and explore possible diplomatic channels to address the issue.
The United Kingdom's foreign office, while not providing detailed comments, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. It underscored that assistance to Kyiv is consistent with international obligations and does not constitute interference in Russia's domestic matters.
Analysts note that the latest developments occur amid heightened tensions between Moscow and Western capitals over the ongoing war in Ukraine. The asset seizures and diplomatic protest are seen as part of a broader pattern of retaliatory measures by Russia against countries that maintain robust support for Kyiv, including the supply of weapons and economic aid.
Both France and the United Kingdom have indicated that they will monitor the situation closely and coordinate with allies to ensure that the rights of their businesses and diplomatic missions are respected. The Russian government, for its part, has warned that further actions may be taken against entities it deems to be violating its laws or supporting what it calls aggression against Russia.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by Al Jazeera — All News — original source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/9/18/russia-seizes-assets-of-french-firms-summons-uk-envoy-over-ukraine-support?traffic_source=rss.