The article discusses the various options that European leaders are considering to use Russia’s frozen billions to support Ukraine, including:
1. **Releasing funds for immediate use**: Releasing some of the frozen assets to fund Ukraine’s war effort and provide humanitarian aid.
2. **Post-war compensation**: Holding Russia’s billions as collateral to ensure Moscow pays compensation to Ukraine if and when a peace deal is agreed.
3. **Insurance policy**: Using Russia’s frozen assets as insurance to guarantee payment of damages to Ukraine in the event of a settlement.
The article notes that these options are complex and involve uncharted legal waters, but experts believe they can be done legally. The EU diplomat says that having frozen assets will be “massive leverage” for Ukraine in peace negotiations, while Frédéric Dopagne, a professor of Public International Law, argues that Russia’s war against Ukraine constitutes a serious violation of international law and that all states are entitled to take countermeasures to ensure the cessation of the violation and reparation of damages.
The article also mentions that some European countries have shown willingness to explore these options, but others remain unclear in their stance. The use of frozen assets is contingent on the negotiations between Russia and the US on ending Moscow’s war of aggression in Ukraine.
Overall, the article highlights the complexity and uncertainty surrounding the potential use of Russia’s frozen billions to support Ukraine.