Moscow doesn't want peace: Sweden pushes for seizure of Russian assets
Photo: Maria M Stenergard, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sweden (Getty Images)
Frozen Russian assets in Europe must be confiscated because Russia does not want to end its war against Ukraine, Maria M Stenergard, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sweden, reports.
The Swedish high-ranking official emphasized that Russia's recent deadly attacks on Ukraine demonstrate that Moscow is not interested in peace.
"So now we need to increase the pressure on Russia, but also increase the support for Ukraine. It's also time to move on and take the frozen (Russian - ed.) assets," Stenergard stated.
Confiscation of Russian assets
After the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, European countries have frozen about 210 billion euros of Russian assets. However, the European side does not plan to confiscate them yet.
The EU countries have so far agreed to use only the profits generated from frozen Russian assets to assist Ukraine.
Last week, it was reported that the European Commission had requested €2.1 billion in profits from these frozen assets, with plans to transfer the funds to Ukraine.
At the same time, in March, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk noted that European countries remain divided on the issue of confiscating Russian assets outright. Some states fear the potential consequences of such a decision.
By the way, a few weeks ago, Deputy Head of the Presidential Office of Ukraine Iryna Mudra emphasized that Europe is "getting ready" for the confiscation of Russian assets. Ukrainian politician also assured that Russian assets will remain frozen until Moscow stops its aggression and compensates Ukraine for its losses.
