Trump dodges question on using frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine
Photo: US President Donald Trump (GettyImages)
During a conversation with journalists aboard Air Force One, US President Donald Trump gave an evasive answer about new sanctions against Russia and shifted the question of frozen assets to the EU.
Earlier, the EU postponed its decision on the use of frozen Russian assets to assist Ukraine until December.
Journalists ask Trump what he thought about this. The US President said that he was not involved in discussions about the possible use of frozen Russian assets in the EU to assist Ukraine.
"That's you have to ask EU. I'm not involved in that. That's up to EU," he tells reporters.
He also commented on the possibility of imposing additional sanctions against Russia.
"You'll find out," says Trump.
Trump recently imposed sanctions against key Russian oil companies in an attempt to force Moscow to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Frozen assets
Belgium has once again blocked the release of frozen Russian assets for aid. Interestingly, the Belgian depository Euroclear is the largest holder of frozen Russian assets. However, Belgium officially refuses to support the seizure of assets due to alleged risks of lawsuits from the Russian regime.
According to IMF estimates, the volume of frozen Russian assets in 2024-2025 is estimated to exceed $300-350 billion.
This decision is not critical for Ukraine, as its financing needs for 2025 are covered. But EU leaders have confirmed their intention to help Ukraine as much as necessary. Ukraine will have the financial resources it needs to defend itself against Russian aggression.
One of the mechanisms is the possibility of the European Union using frozen Russian assets as a reparations loan for Ukraine. The draft provides for the repayment of the loan only after Ukraine receives compensation from Russia.
