EU Faces Standoff Over Using Frozen Russian Assets to Aid Ukraine

Several European Union (EU) member states, along with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, are opposing the transfer of Russia’s $300 billion in frozen assets to Ukraine, Politico reported on February 25.

The report states that several EU nations are reluctant to take action without coordinating with ongoing negotiations between the U.S. and Russia. Seizing Russian funds now, they argue, could secure them a stronger role in future diplomatic talks.

Meanwhile, Baltic and Nordic countries, as well as Poland and Czechia, are urging for the immediate transfer of Russian assets to Ukraine. This position is also supported by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.

Countries opposing the move include France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Opponents fear that outright confiscation could scare off international investors and deprive the EU of a key bargaining chip in peace negotiations.

“If you unfreeze the assets and give them to Ukraine, you no longer have them, and you can’t use them as leverage,” an EU diplomat told Politico.

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War in Ukraine

European Leaders Push to Seize Russia’s Frozen Billions for Ukraine. Why Now?

Feb 21, 2025 20:22

On February 24, French President Emmanuel Macron met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, where he stated that Western allies could legally use the interest generated by Russia’s frozen assets to help Ukraine. However, Macron insisted that full confiscation would be unlawful.

Earlier, reports emerged that Russia may agree to the use of $300 billion in frozen sovereign assets for Ukraine’s reconstruction but is expected to demand that part of the funds go to regions under its control.