The President of the European Commission suggested to legislators on Wednesday that discussions should begin on utilizing the earnings from frozen Russian assets to procure armaments for Ukraine.
Ursula von der Leyen, speaking to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, proposed, “It’s time to discuss how the unexpected profits from frozen Russian assets can be collectively used to buy military gear for Ukraine.”
EU nations have preliminarily concurred that the proceeds from these frozen assets—not the assets themselves—could be allocated to assist Ukraine, for instance, in restoring infrastructure damaged by the conflict. However, they await a formal legal framework from the commission to implement this.
The possibility of utilizing these funds for military acquisitions, as opposed to civilian aid, had been largely conjectural until now.
Von der Leyen’s address marked the first overt suggestion that the commission might endorse this approach.
Von der Leyen emphasized the significance of using these funds to enhance security in Ukraine and Europe, stating, “There could be no more potent symbol or better application of this money than to fortify Ukraine and ensure greater safety across Europe.”
She also highlighted the importance of thwarting a Russian triumph in Ukraine, regardless of the level of support from international allies.
While not specifically mentioning the United States, she alluded to the diminishing congressional backing for ongoing military assistance and referenced Donald Trump’s opposition to a proposed $60 billion aid package for Ukraine in the US House of Representatives, noting his potential candidacy in the upcoming presidential election.
“We do not have the control of elections or decisions in other parts of the world,” von der Leyen said. “With or without the support of our partners, we cannot let Russia win.”
