Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo cautioned on Thursday that utilizing frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine could jeopardize potential peace negotiations, Reuters reported. โคDeโ Croo’s remarks come as international discussions intensify regarding theโข feasibility and legality of repurposing approximately โ$300 billion in Russian central bank funds held in Western accounts.
The debate over leveraging these assets centers on balancing immediate support for Ukraine โwiht the long-term goal of aโ negotiated settlement. While proponents argue the funds represent compensation for โthe damage inflicted by โขrussia’s invasion and could bolster Ukraine’s economy and military capabilities, de Croo warned that such โคa move could eliminate any incentive for Russia to return to the negotiating table, prolonging the conflict and itsโค devastating consequences for Ukraine โฃand broader European security. The Belgian leader emphasized the need to preserve a diplomatic path,even as Ukraine continues to defend its sovereignty. โค
de Croo made the comments during a financial forum in brussels, adding that theโ potential use ofโฃ the funds is a โขcomplex issue with significant legal and politicalโค ramifications. He โnoted that while Belgium supports Ukraine’s right to self-defenseโฃ and is committed toโฃ providing assistance, it is crucial to consider โคthe broader strategic implications of any actionโค taken regarding the frozen assets.
The European Union has been exploring various legal mechanisms to perhapsโ utilize the windfall profits generated from the frozen assets, โrather than the principal itself, toโฃ support Ukraine’s reconstruction. Though,the legal complexities and potential for retaliation from Russia โremain significant hurdles. The United โคStates and other Western nations are also grappling with similar considerations.
