Several European countries have expressed their dissatisfaction with the delay in the process of confiscating frozen assets of the Russian Federation in the EU, emphasizing the need for decisive action to support Ukraine.
This is reported by Finway
Position of European Diplomats on Russian Assets
Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard expressed her frustration with the European Union’s inability to make a decision regarding the use of frozen Russian assets for the benefit of Ukraine. She emphasized that Russia shows no intention of ending the war, so pressure on Moscow must be intensified using all possible tools, including economic ones.
Legal Pathways and Political Obstacles
The head of Lithuania’s diplomacy, Kęstutis Budrys, noted the existence of several legal mechanisms that could allow for the confiscation of frozen Russian assets and their transfer to a special purpose company for further use in favor of Ukraine. Additionally, these funds could serve as guarantees for loans to Ukraine, with the condition of future reparations from the Russian Federation.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna emphasized that the EU must confiscate over 200 billion euros of frozen Russian assets located within the Union and transfer them to Ukraine.
“There are no legal reasons why we cannot do this. There is only a political reason, and there is no consensus.”
European diplomats are urging the EU to act more quickly, as the delay in this process weakens Ukraine’s position in its fight against Russian aggression and reduces the effectiveness of international sanctions.