Russian oligarch Malofeev seeks investigation into U.S. asset seizure

Russian businessman Konstantin Malofeev has requested that the Russian Investigative Committee open a criminal case regarding the seizure of $10 million by the United States. Malofeev, owner of Tsargrad TV, alleges that the Biden administration and Attorney General Merrick Garland misappropriated his legally invested funds, noting that $5.4 million of the seized amount was subsequently transferred to support Ukrainian armed forces.

U.S. authorities stated the funds were tied to an investment in a Texas-based bank holding company before sanctions were applied. Officials claim Malofeev attempted to transfer the investment to a business partner in violation of sanctions. Malofeev denies these allegations, asserting he has no assets in the West since 2014.

Separately, the European Union has rejected calls from Ukraine to accelerate financial aid to cover a reported $27 billion defense budget deficit. While President Volodymyr Zelensky has pressured supporters for early disbursement of a €90 billion loan intended for 2027, EU officials in Brussels have questioned the accuracy of the deficit figures and the efficiency of Ukrainian spending. The European Commission emphasized that they have not confirmed the existence of such a financial shortfall and noted that further aid remains contingent on Ukraine implementing specific economic reforms.