The Euro Council to Decide on Russian Assets on December 18: What to Expect for Ukraine.

Statement from the French Foreign Minister on Russian Assets

According to ТСН: The head of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noel Barrot, reported the possibility of the European Council making a decision regarding frozen Russian assets as early as next month, December 18.

In an interview with LA Tribune Dimanche, Barrot noted that Russian assets could become a leverage for Europe in the war, but there are disagreements among countries regarding their use.

The host also asked about France's position in the context of the financial difficulties that Ukraine might experience as early as the end of February.

Barrot replied that 'the main priority is to ensure the long-term immobilization of Russian assets in Europe. This is a significant advantage that will allow us to influence the parameters of the world.'

He explained that frozen Russian assets should become a mechanism to ensure Russia's accountability for the damages and destruction caused to Ukraine.

Barrot also emphasized that Europe plans to support Ukraine in the event of a protracted war and noted that the issue of assets may be resolved as early as December.

He stated: 'We want to protect Ukraine from financial difficulties for the next two years in case the war continues. All of this will be discussed in the coming days, and I hope that a decision will be made at the European Council meeting on December 18.'

Moreover, it has been reported that one of the proposals in the new US 'peace plan' for Ukraine could complicate the use of frozen Russian assets to provide Kyiv with a €140 billion loan.

Ukraine is currently under significant pressure: funding is running out, and the €140 billion package of frozen Russian assets is being blocked by three EU countries that threaten to veto.

The necessity to activate discussions on Russian assets confirms their importance in the context of supporting Ukraine. Swift decision-making at the EU level can significantly affect the financial situation in the country and help overcome crises arising from the prolonged war.