Why Russian assets should be transferred to Ukraine, and that's necessary for all of Europe

Europe is gradually coming to understand a simple truth: In the face of both external and internal threats, unity is essential. Today, it is not only a matter of security but of the future world order. 

If democracies are to survive in an increasingly aggressive and multipolar world, they cannot afford weakness.

One of the key decisions democracies need to make is about the transfer of Russia’s frozen  sovereign assets. These are needed to support Ukrainian and European defence, as well as for reconstruction and compensation for the victims of Russian aggression.

Read more about how the transfer of Russian assets to Ukraine 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 transfer to Ukraine Russia’s assets.

Mudra emphasises that transferring Russian assets is a matter of security, justice and punishment for crime committed.

She argues that it would be a demonstration of European agency and readiness to defend itself. 

According to her, seizing Russian assets would send a clear message to all potential aggressors. Your actions come with a price. Aggression has real consequences, not just words of concern.

Let’s imagine a scenario: A maniac systematically rapes and kills his neighbours. If he evades justice for years, he will continue committing these crimes.

Mudra argues that Russian assets could be used not just to rebuild Ukraine, but also to boost the continent’s overall defence capability.

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 that transfer would enable: investment in the modernisation of European armies and defence infrastructure, support the production of advanced weaponry and technologies, strengthening European energy independence.

"Our strategic European partners can play a crucial role in this process," the columnist emphasises.

She believes that leading European defence companies, such as Airbus, BAE Systems, Leonardo, MBDA, Rheinmetall, SAAB, and the Thales Group would gain new opportunities to develop innovative solutions that would make all of Europe more secure.

According to the Deputy Head of the Office of the President, Europe is gradually beginning to recognise that Russia must face real consequences for its aggression.

This is not only the position of politicians but a reflection of the will of European voters as embodied in the European Parliament resolution of 11.03.2025.

Moreover, support for the transfer of assets to Ukraine is growing among European leaders: Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kstutis Budrys, Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, Estonian President Alar Karis, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas, all endorse the idea.

"Now, the decision lies with governments in Berlin and Paris and the European Commission," notes Iryna Mudra.

She warns that Europe can no longer afford the luxury of lethargy.