EU Divided Over Using $160B Frozen Russian Assets for Ukraine Aid

The European Union is engaged in intense debates over the use of frozen Russian assets, estimated to be between €140 billion and €185 billion, to support Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict. Some EU member states, notably France, Germany, and Italy, advocate for channeling these funds into European defense industries, potentially restricting purchases to European-made weapons, which has raised concerns about limiting Ukraine's access to crucial U.S.-made arms. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasized that any initiatives must comply with international law, highlighting the principle that sovereign assets cannot be confiscated, a stance backed by Belgium and the European Central Bank. The Russian government has condemned these efforts as theft and warned of reciprocal measures if the EU proceeds with using the frozen assets. Hungary and other EU members have also warned that confiscating these funds could lead to legal and economic fallout, including retaliations against individual EU countries and undermining international legal norms protecting property rights. The EU faces a complex challenge balancing support for Ukraine, legal constraints, and internal disagreements ahead of a critical summit meeting.