EU member states agree to allocate frozen Russian assets to arm Ukraine

In a key step toward resolving the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, European Union member states achieved a preliminary agreement on Wednesday to use revenues from blocked Russian central bank assets to support Ukraine's defense operations.

Officials verified the news during a meeting of EU ambassadors, when Belgium, which now holds the EU's rotating presidency, announced the decision.

"The money will serve to support Ukraine's recovery and military defense in the context of Russian aggression," Belgium said in a post on X, highlighting the smart distribution of cash to strengthen Ukraine's position in the face of external threats.

EU Commission leader Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the symbolic and practical significance of this move, saying, "There could be no stronger symbol and no greater use for that money than to make Ukraine and all of Europe a safer place to live." The agreement indicates a common attitude among EU member states to support Ukraine and face the security issues posed by Russian aggression.

The use of frozen Russian assets to strengthen Ukraine's military capabilities is a key step in the EU's reaction to the ongoing crisis in the area. It emphasizes the EU members' commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity while delivering a strong warning to Russia about the repercussions of its actions.

Source: AFP