Ukrainian FM Urges Global Partners to Seize, Not Just Freeze, Russian Assets

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called on international partners to transition from freezing Russian assets to confiscating them entirely to support Ukraine’s defense and reconstruction efforts on X on December 15.

“When it comes to immobilized Russian assets, it is time to move from freezing to seizing—use not only profits, but also assets themselves, to support Ukraine’s defense, resilience, and recovery,” Sybiha stated.

“It is fair and legitimate to make the aggressor compensate for the damages and harm,” he added.

Sybiha emphasized that the unprecedented destruction caused by Russia’s full-scale invasion requires extraordinary measures to hold the aggressor accountable. He argued that seizing Russian assets, rather than merely freezing them, is a crucial step in ensuring justice for Ukraine while helping to finance its recovery and military resilience.

Previously, the US Department of the Treasury announced the allocation of $20 billion to Ukraine as part of the G7 initiative to utilize frozen Russian assets.