The European Union, the United States and the United Kingdom have expanded their sanctions lists that include those close to the Kremlin who have become isolated from the international financial system since the start of Russia's attack on Ukraine on 24 February.

To date, the French authorities have announced that they have frozen 23.7 billion euros of Russian movable and immovable funds, including properties worth $573.6 million.

According to the French Ministry of Economy and Finance, the largest share of these funds, amounting to Euro22.8 billion, are accounts of the Central Bank of Russia in France, confirming information published by Le Parisien.

The Ministry added that 178 million euros of different banking assets were added to this amount.

France froze four cargo ships and four yachts, most recently in Marseille last Tuesday, with a total value of more than 125.2 million euros, six helicopters with a total value of more than 60 million euros, as well as seven million euros of artwork.

The French authorities have also placed their hands on 33 properties, including 19 civil real estate companies, and are preparing to hand over some 10 other properties.

The total value of these movable and immovable funds is approximately Euro24 billion.

The Western response to the Russian attack on Ukraine included the financial clampdown on the large circle of billionaires close to the Kremlin, from the freezing of bank accounts and the placement of hands on luxury circuits and yachts belonging to Russian businessmen.