Medvedev threatens UK with asset seizure over support for Ukraine

Russian former president Dmitry Medvedev is threatening the UK government with the expropriation of British state assets because of its support for Ukraine.

London is supplying Ukraine with weapons worth more than £1 billion ($1.34 billion), paid for with proceeds from frozen Russian assets, Medvedev posted on his Telegram channel.

"The British thieves have given Russian money to the neo-Nazis," Medvedev wrote, adding that this gives Russia a right to compensation.

The politician now serves as deputy head of the Russian Security Council.

Because this would be difficult to enforce legally, Moscow would compensate itself by appropriating further territories in Ukraine, he said. "Or by expropriating assets belonging to the British Crown," Medvedev added. "There are plenty of those in many places, including Russia."

British Defence Secretary John Healey announced more military aid for Ukraine during a visit to Kiev.

Medvedev was considered liberal during his time as president. However, since Russia began its war against Ukraine three and a half years ago, he has played the role of an extreme hawk and agitator.