High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs; Kaja Karassaid this Friday rather than using assets russian frozen in Europe to maintain resistance Ukrainian constitutes the “most clear form” of support for Kiev It represents a strong message to Moscow.
Mr. Karas took part in the so-called Berlin meeting and issued these statements from Berlin. “Group of five” Defense ministers from various countries gathered Germany, France, UK, Italy and Poland to discuss next steps Military and financial support to Ukraine.
In his words, Karras said: Ukraine: ‘We will need more funds next year’ “There are several options, but leveraging immobilized Russian assets is the most obvious way to maintain Ukraine’s defenses,” he said. The diplomat emphasized that they will rely on the liquidity of these assets to obtain loans of up to 5 million yen. 140 billion euros It would be “a way to show Russia that time is not on its side.” “Compared to Russia’s victory, aid to Ukraine is a bargain,” he added, warning of the risks of easing financial pressure on the Kremlin.
Mr. Karas made his proposal by keeping in mind that “war is a matter of finances and human resources,” and that “those who run out of funds and troops will be the first to lose.” In this sense, he maintains Increased economic pressure on Russia, He noted that the European Union (EU) is finalizing its 20th policy package. sanctions Battle against Moscow.
The head of European foreign affairs also made this assertion. Increase military mobility within community blocks, allowing rapid movement of troops and equipment. Assign responsibility to member states for developing critical transportation infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and railways. Karas stressed that “seamless military mobility is critical to our defense capabilities” and announced that he would work with the European Transport Commissioner to address these needs.
Regarding the internal security of the block, Mr Kalas warned of an increase in hybrid attacks on European territory. He defined this as a “routine” threat and called on member states to “cooperate systematically” to address these risks and protect the integrity of the EU. Regarding the conflict in Ukraine, he emphasized: “Russia has no desire for a ceasefire” and wants to “continue this war.” This, in his vision, reinforces the need for new financial and military action to support Kiev.
The proposal of the High Representative has received support. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European CommissionHe made this statement the previous day during a speech to the European Parliament in connection with the EU Finance Ministers’ meeting. He defended reparation financing, backed by the liquidity of Russian assets tied up in Europe, as the “most effective” way to maintain Ukraine’s defense and economy.
Von der Leyen explained that there are two additional options. Either the EU can go to the market and issue bonds using its long-term budget as collateral, or member states can extend bilateral credit to Ukraine. But he thought: The option of freezing Russian assets represents the most efficient mechanismBecause this would give Ukraine access to up to 140 billion euros in funds. 2 year loan, without increasing the debt of bloc countries.
European leaders specified that the loan would become a subsidy if Ukraine failed to obtain war reparations from Russia, thereby establishing a direct transition between financial aid and eventual reparation payments from Moscow. he added: Most of the Russian assets frozen on European soil are managed through the Belgian corporation Euroclear. From there, the EU could replace Russia’s cash with zero-coupon AAA bonds issued by the European Commission itself. Von der Leyen said this option was gaining support among EU economy and finance ministers.
Despite these positive trends among the 27 countries, doubts remain among some Member States, particularly Belgium, which is host to the Euroclear Fund Depositary. The Belgian government, led by Bart de Weber, requested legal guarantees from its partner countries in case it needed to claim compensation from Russia in the future.
Despite legal reservations and practical challenges, the European Commission is exploring ways to implement the confiscation of these assets as a preferred route in developing a new long-term support package for Ukraine. Discussions within the EU continue after the last summit in October, which mandated the preparation of various options to ensure unity with Kiev in the face of sustained Russian aggression.
(With information from EFE, EP and Reuters)
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