BRUSSELS, Dec 12 (Reuters) – Belgian central securities depository Euroclear, which holds most of the Russian central bank assets frozen in Europe, ‍can offset any seizure of its assets in Russia as a result of lawsuits with the Russian assets it holds in Belgium, a senior EU officials said.

Russia’s central bank said on Friday that plans ‌by the European Union to use ‌its assets to extend a loan to Ukraine were illegal and that it reserved the right to employ all available means to protect its interests.

In a separate statement, the central bank said it was suing Brussels-based financial institution Euroclear – which holds ‍many of the assets – in a Moscow court over what it said were damaging actions, affecting its ability to ‍dispose of its funds and securities.

“EU financial institu

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