**US Senators Push for Use of Frozen Russian Assets to Help Ukraine**
A group of US senators is asking the Trump administration to use more than $300 billion in frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine. The money was seized by the US and its allies after Russia invaded Ukraine last year.
The senators, who are from both parties, want the administration to transfer the funds to Ukraine instead of just using the interest earned on them. They asked Secretary of State Marco Rubio if the administration would use all available financial tools to pressure Russia into ending its war against Ukraine.
**Rare Bipartisan Support**
This is a rare instance of senior Republicans publicly urging a tougher stance on Russia. Most pro-Ukraine Republicans in Congress have remained silent as Trump shifts US policy closer to Moscow.
The senators, including Todd Young and Lindsey Graham, signed the letter asking for more action from the administration. Democrats Richard Blumenthal and Tim Kaine also signed the letter.
**State Department Has Not Responded**
The State Department has not yet responded to the senators’ request. The letter was sent on March 21, just as US-Russia negotiations were taking place in Saudi Arabia.
**Using Frozen Assets for Ukraine’s Benefit**
For years, lawmakers have pushed to use frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine’s reconstruction instead of relying on American taxpayer dollars. The senators asked if the administration would encourage other countries to use these assets to help Ukraine.
They also inquired about allowing Ukraine to purchase defense equipment using the frozen funds. Russia has condemned any potential asset transfer as theft, but has reportedly signaled a willingness to use frozen European funds for reconstruction – provided some of the money benefits Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine.
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