EU considers using frozen Russian assets to fund Trump’s Ukraine plan

The European Union is reportedly considering using profits from Russia’s frozen assets to finance a new $10 billion military aid package for Ukraine proposed by US President Donald Trump.

According to a report by The Telegraph, under the plan being discussed, proceeds from the approximately €200 billion of Russian Central Bank assets blocked in the EU could be directed as a contribution from European countries to the new defense fund.

Plan to operate through NATO

This move became the subject of initial talks among EU countries following Trump’s announcement of a new initiative to supply Ukraine with weapons and air defense systems through NATO.

According to diplomatic sources, EU foreign ministers discussed the plan in Brussels on Tuesday, although the US has not yet presented its full details to all member states.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced that the agreement involves the alliance purchasing American air defense systems, missiles, and ammunition and then transferring them to Ukraine.

Rutte reported during his meeting with the US President in the Oval Office that at least eight member states have already confirmed their participation in the initiative.

Poland proposes that Russia should pay the bill

The most likely scenario involves the creation of a central fund under NATO administration, to which European allies and Canada would contribute.

These funds are planned to be used for purchasing weapons according to a “priority list” prepared by the Ukrainian government.

Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski proposed to his EU counterparts that profits from Russia’s frozen assets be used directly to finance this plan.

According to a source familiar with the talks, Sikorski asked, “Who should bear this burden, our taxpayers or the Russians?”

The aim is to keep Trump engaged in supporting Ukraine

Previously in Brussels, the possibility of creating its own defense fund for arms purchases with proceeds from frozen assets was being discussed.

However, joining an initiative under the auspices of the US and NATO is now seen as a more effective way to maintain Trump’s engagement in supporting Ukraine.