France indicates shift on seizing frozen Russian assets for Ukraine support

France maintains a cautious stance regarding the use of frozen Russian assets to finance military aid for Ukraine, citing legal concerns and international agreements that deem such seizures inappropriate. Economy Minister Eric Lombard emphasized that these assets belong to Russia's central bank and that France is not at war with Russia, which complicates any legal justification for confiscation. While some EU countries support leveraging these assets, France is considering using them only to guarantee loans for Ukraine rather than direct funding. French officials, including President Emmanuel Macron, have suggested that these assets could play a role in negotiations to end the conflict, but the French government has not committed to any specific course of action. Minister Benjamin Haddad pointed out that while the seizure of assets is a potential lever, it raises significant legal and economic risks. Overall, France's approach reflects a desire to balance support for Ukraine with adherence to international law and economic stability within Europe.