EU bans transfer of Russian central bank assets back to Russia

Brussels, Dec. 13 -- The Council of the European union (EU) on Friday decided to prohibit any transfers of immobilized assets belonging to the central bank of Russia within the bloc back to Russia, citing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

"This decision was taken as a matter of urgency to limit damage to the Union's economy," the Council said in a statement.

The measure bans any direct or indirect transfer of assets or reserves of the central bank of Russia, as well as transactions involving "any legal person, entity or body acting on behalf of, or at the direction of, the central bank of Russia," it said.

European Council President Antonio Costa wrote on social media X that EU leaders were committed to keeping Russian assets immobilized ...