The Kremlin warned on Wednesday it could seize more Western assets in retaliation for foreign moves against Russian companies, after taking temporary control of assets belonging to Finland's Fortum and Germany's Uniper.
President Vladimir Putin late on Tuesday signed a decree establishing temporary control of the Russian assets of the two European state-owned energy firms. Energy group Fortum (FORTUM.HE) said it was "investigating" and Uniper (UN01.DE), Fortum's former subsidiary, said it was "reviewing" the move. The German finance ministry had no immediate comment.
The decree showed Moscow had already taken action against Uniper's Russian division Unipro (UPRO.MM) and Fortum's assets. Russia made clear that the move could be reversed.
Moscow has reacted angrily to reports that Group of Seven nations are considering a near-total ban on exports to Russia, while many have called for far tougher sanctions to limit Russia's ability to fight in Ukraine.
Meanwhile, the European Union is looking at using frozen Russian assets to rebuild Ukraine. Germany nationalised a former division of Russian energy giant Gazprom (GAZP.MM) last year.
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