Several European countries have expressed dissatisfaction with the delays in the process of confiscating frozen Russian assets in the European Union and are intensifying their demands for decisive action from the EU in support of Ukraine.
This is reported by Business • Media
Positions of Sweden, Lithuania, and Estonia on Frozen Russian Assets
Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard expressed frustration over the EU’s inability to make a decision regarding the transfer of frozen Russian assets to Ukraine. She emphasized that Russia continues the war, and therefore the European Union must increase pressure on Moscow.
“There are no legal reasons why we cannot do this. There is only a political reason, and there is no consensus,” explained Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna.
According to Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys, there are various legal mechanisms that allow for the transfer of frozen Russian assets for the benefit of Ukraine. In particular, the possibility of transferring these funds to a specially created target company for further use in the reconstruction of Ukraine is being considered. Additionally, these assets could be used as guarantees for lending to Ukraine, taking into account conditions regarding future reparations from Russia.
Prospects for Transferring Over €200 Billion to Ukraine
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna emphasized the need to confiscate over €200 billion of Russian assets frozen in the EU and transfer these funds to Ukraine. He stressed that there are no legal obstacles to this, and the only barrier is the political lack of unity among EU countries.
Pressure from several EU member states is increasing, as delays in making the appropriate decisions, according to diplomats, only play into the hands of the Russian Federation and hinder effective support for Ukraine in its struggle against armed aggression.