Fear of losing 'leverage:' Politico names states opposed to transferring Russian assets to Ukraine
Photo: Politico named the countries that oppose the transfer of Russian assets to Ukraine (Getty Images)
Several European Union countries and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen oppose the transfer of frozen Russian assets to Ukraine, Politico reports.
According to Politico, European countries may seize Russian assets since they are staying aside from the negotiations between the United States and Russia. This will allow them to secure a place in the dialogue.
Meanwhile, the Baltic and Northern European countries believe that the funds should be immediately transferred to Ukraine. This position is also supported by:
- Poland
- Czechia
- Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Commission.
Countries opposed to the transfer of assets to Ukraine include:
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- Spain
- President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.
Those opposed fear that confiscating assets could scare off international investors and deprive the EU of its biggest leverage in peace negotiations.
“If you were to unfreeze (the assets - ed.) and give (them - ed.) to Ukraine, you don't have it anymore and you can't use it as a bargaining chip,” said an EU diplomat from the latter camp
Politico adds that on February 24, French President Emmanuel Macron, during a meeting with US President Donald Trump, stated that Western allies could legally use the income from assets during the war. At the same time, he insisted that confiscation is allegedly illegal.
Frozen Russian assets
At the end of December, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called on partners to move from freezing Russian assets to confiscating them, emphasizing that the funds should be directed to support Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Reuters reports that Russia may agree to transfer part of its assets for Ukraine's reconstruction.
