EU directs frozen Russian assets to Ukraine's military
The European Union has officially announced its decision to allocate approximately €1.9 billion from frozen Russian assets for weapons for Ukraine, as reported by Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal on X this Friday. One billion euros will be dedicated to weapons manufactured within Ukraine.
The European Union is employing a new strategy to exert pressure on Russia. At a joint conference with EU representatives, the Ukrainian Prime Minister stated that Brussels has approved the utilisation of funds from frozen Russian assets—seized following the onset of the large-scale invasion in February 2022—for military support to Ukraine.
Frozen Russian assets for weapons for Ukraine: A decision has been made
"1 billion euros of this sum will be spent on the purchase of weapons directly from Ukrainian manufacturers. A further 600 million euros will be spent on artillery and ammunition. More than 200 million euros will be spent on strengthening Ukraine's air defence.," the head of the Ukrainian government posted on X.
He described the decision regarding the use of these assets for Kyiv as historic and expressed gratitude to the European Union for its support. Shmyhal highlighted that weapons and ammunition purchases will be made through the EU's European Peace Facility project.
European ministers convened in Lviv on Friday to discuss, among other issues, the format and role of a tribunal for Russia's aggression against Ukraine, and to officially endorse the decision to establish it. The tribunal is intended to operate in Luxembourg under the auspices of the Council of Europe.
