"Moscow shows no sign of wanting peace. It actively threatens other countries too, including Britain. Ukraine is running out of money. Yet 184bn worth of Russian assets remain frozen in Europe, notably in Belgium. That money should therefore be mobilised to fund Ukraine. To many, this would be the enactment of a clear and present duty, proof positive that Europe can still be a heavy hitter."
"Seizure of assets will undoubtedly face legal challenge. It is also bitterly opposed by Donald Trump, who wants the unfreezing of assets to form a key part of his pro-Russian peace plan. Mr Trump is pressing hard for a quick deal, and US and Russian negotiators are poised to meet again in Miami at the weekend. The EU has worked hard to come up with a funding plan for Ukraine that mobilises the value of the assets without simply transferring them to Kyiv."
Russia invaded Ukraine illegally and shows no sign of wanting peace. Moscow threatens other countries, including Britain, and Ukraine is running out of funds. About 184bn of Russian assets remain frozen in Europe, notably in Belgium, prompting proposals to mobilise those assets to support Ukraine. Legal, economic and political complications threaten such moves, including possible legal challenges, bond-market reactions and public opposition in EU states. Donald Trump opposes seizure and advocates unfreezing assets as part of a pro-Russian peace plan. The EU proposes a loan that mobilises asset value without transferring ownership, but its success depends on battlefield and diplomatic outcomes.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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