French FM reveals date as EU prepares to act on Russian assets
Jean-Noël Barrot (Photo: Getty Images)
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated that the European Council could decide on frozen Russian assets as early as next month, December 18, according to his interview with LA Tribune Dimanche.
During the conversation, the host noted that Russian assets are one of Europe’s leverage points over the war. At the same time, Barrot acknowledged that European countries differ in their views on this issue.
The journalist then asked the minister how France positions itself, given that Ukraine is expected to run out of funds no later than the end of February.
“Our main priority is to ensure the long-term immobilization of Russian assets in Europe. This is a significant advantage that will allow us to influence the parameters of peace,” Barrot responded.
He explained that frozen Russian assets are a way to guarantee that, when the time comes, Russia will be held accountable for compensating the significant damage it caused to Ukraine.
According to Barrot, Europe intends to help Ukraine if the war continues, and a decision on Russian assets could be made as early as December.
“We want to protect Ukraine from financial difficulties for the next two years in the event the war continues. All of this will be discussed in the coming days, and I hope a decision will be made at the European Council meeting on December 18,” the minister concluded.
Frozen Russian assets
Recently, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever said that the EU's plan to use frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine could have serious economic and geopolitical consequences.
Notably, Politico recently published a report suggesting that Belgium’s resistance may have more down-to-earth reasons than fear of retaliation from Russia. The EU suspects that Belgium is appropriating revenue from Russian assets.
