Saudis Warned G-7 Over Russia Seizures With Debt Sale Threat
- Warning made to EU states, said people familiar with matter
- Move underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing diplomatic clout
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Saudi Arabia privately hinted earlier this year it might sell some European debt holdings if the Group of Seven decided to seize almost $300 billion of Russia’s frozen assets, people familiar with the matter said.
The kingdom’s finance ministry told some G-7 counterparts of its opposition to the idea, which was meant to support Ukraine, with one person describing it as a veiled threat. The Saudis specifically mentioned debt issued by the French treasury, two of the people said.