Why the сonfiscation of Russian assets necessary for all of Europe, not just Ukraine
Europe is gradually realising a simple truth: in the face of both external and internal threats, unity is essential. Today, this is not just a matter of security, it is a question of the future world order.
If democracies want to survive in an increasingly aggressive and multipolar world, they cannot afford to show weakness.
One of the key steps in this direction is the transfer of frozen Russian sovereign assets to support Ukraine’s and Europe’s defence, as well as to finance reconstruction efforts and compensation for victims of Russian aggression.
Read more about how the confiscation of Russian assets could strengthen Europe in the column by Iryna Mudra, Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine – A safeguard against the next invasion: why Europe must confiscate Russian assets.
Mudra emphasises that confiscating Russian assets is not just a sanction or an economic pressure tool, it is a matter of security, justice, and punishment for crimes.
She argues that this is a test of Europe’s sovereignty and its willingness to defend itself and its principles.
According to her, seizing Russian assets would send a clear message to all potential aggressors: aggression comes with a price and real consequences, not just diplomatic expressions of "concern."
If a maniac systematically rapes and murders his neighbours and continues to escape punishment for years, he will not stop committing crimes.
Mudra argues that Russian assets should be used not only for Ukraine’s reconstruction but also to enhance the continent’s overall defence capabilities.
These assets, as explained by the Deputy Head of the Office of the President, can be directed toward purchasing European weapons for Ukraine and financing Ukraine’s defence industry.
According to her, the confiscation of Russian assets would enable: investment in the modernisation of European armies and defence infrastructure, support for the production of advanced weaponry and technologies, strengthening Europe’s energy independence.
"Our European strategic partners can play a key role in this process," the columnist emphasises.
She believes that leading European defence companies, such as Airbus, BAE Systems, Leonardo, MBDA, Rheinmetall, SAAB, and Thales Group, would gain new opportunities to develop innovative solutions, ultimately making Europe more secure.
According to the Deputy Head of the Office of the President, Europe is gradually coming to realise that Russia must face real consequences for its aggression.
This is confirmed by a recent European Parliament resolution, which states that "Russian sovereign assets frozen under EU sanctions must be confiscated and allocated to Ukraine’s defence and reconstruction."
Moreover, an increasing number of European politicians are publicly supporting the transfer of assets to Ukraine, including Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys, Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, Estonian President Alar Karis, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas, etc.
"Now, the decision lies with Berlin, Paris, and Brussels," notes Iryna Mudra.
She warns that Europe can no longer afford the luxury of acting slowly.