Overview

• The French government confiscated a villa and an apartment linked to Lyudmila Ocheretnaya, Vladimir Putin's former wife, as part of a money laundering investigation.
• Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov labeled the seizures as 'illegal' and an encroachment on private property.
• The properties, including the 'Suzanna' villa in Anglet, were reportedly purchased with funds under scrutiny for fraud.
• Russian assets have been increasingly targeted in Europe following the invasion of Ukraine, with billions frozen or seized.
• The situation has escalated diplomatic tensions, with Russia accusing France of violating international law.