Russian TV host fumes after losing homes to sanctions

Russian TV host Vladimir Soloviev has delivered a furious rant on-air over European Union sanctions which caused him to lose his luxury villas in Italy.

Sanctions were put in place following Russia's invasion of Ukraine with some of the country's most prominent individuals being targeted.

The aim is to "weaken Russia's economic base and its capacity to modernise", with hopes a freeze on Russian assets in the EU will help do this.

European Commission chief, Ursula von der Leyen also said last week they will "stop the access of Russian banks to the European financial market".

On-air outburst

"I was told that Europe is a citadel of rights, that everything is permitted, that’s what they said … I know from personal experience about the so-called ‘sacred property rights’," Mr Soloviev said during Friday’s program of The Evening With Vladimir Soloviev, News.com reports.

"I bought it, paid a crazy amount of taxes, I did everything. And suddenly someone makes a decision that this journalist is now on the list of sanctions. And right away it affects your real estate. Wait a minute. But you told us that Europe has sacred property rights!"

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A disgusted Mr Soloviev complained about Europe's decision to "close your bank account if you're Russian", while in England "you’re allowed to keep no more than a certain amount there".

"Why? Because you’re Russian," he reportedly fumed.

Mr Soloviev is one of many impacted by the sanctions.

EU chiefs have so far imposed financial sanctions on 70 per cent of Russia’s banking market, plus the energy sector, airlines, technology and visas.

Russia hits back at Australia over sanctions

Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced sanctions against Russia last week as Australia joined the US, UK, the EU and Canada in pushing back against Russia's aggression towards Ukraine.

The PM said Russia was "behaving like thugs and bullies," and insisted they "should be called out as that".

"Australians always stand up to bullies and we will be standing up to Russia," he said.

But Russia hit back at Mr Morrison's remarks saying “Australia does not always stand up to the bullies”.

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