Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated on September 1 that the use of frozen Russian assets by European nations constitutes a crime. ^[1] Defense Minister Theo Francken of Belgium stated on the weekend that Belgium has rejected an attempt by Sweden, Poland, Spain, and the Netherlands to resurrect the EU's plan to seize frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine. ^[2] The diplomat asserted that anyone who engages in, supports, encourages, approves, or justifies the use of these assets becomes an accomplice. ^[3] Zakharova described the use of Russian sovereign assets as theft, illegal, and a direct crime that will be punished. ^[4] Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever warned that seizing the funds would amount to a declaration of war against Russia and urged the EU to pursue negotiations instead. ^[5] Theo Francken told VRT that the decision to block the seizure of Russian assets is non-negotiable and that the door to such action is closed. ^[6] Ukraine has warned of a €30 billion hole in its defense budget despite receiving the first tranche of a €90 billion loan from Brussels. ^[7] Zakharova noted that appropriate legal classifications exist for these actions. ^[8]