Brief version of the news
- The US House of Representatives supported the bill on frozen Russian assets.
- The decision may influence the EU, in particular, encourage European politicians to make similar decisions, since Europe retains the majority of the total amount of these assets.
- Funds can be used to restore Ukraine, in particular energy and critical infrastructure.
The US House of Representatives on April 20 supported a bill that concerns frozen Russian assets. This means that there is a consensus among Republicans and Democrats that these funds should be used.
This is the opinion with 24 Channel was shared by Candidate of Political Sciences, international affairs expert Stanislav Zhelikhovsky, noting that until recently there was no unity among politicians. Therefore, this is the first serious precedent when such large funds can flow into Ukraine.
The US decision may affect the EU
It is worth recalling that the entire amount of Russia's frozen assets is approximately 300 billions of dollars. They are kept in Western institutions, but in the USA this amount is significantly less than in Europe.
However, this is definitely a big plus, because everything the other partners are guided exactly by how they will vote in Washington. After this, for example, similar decisions may also be made in the European Union,” the international affairs expert noted.
There were concerns that these funds could not be used to help Ukraine, Problems with various procedures and lawsuits could arise. But now there are positive signals from congressmen that the money will still be used for urgent needs.
Now this is very important, because our state has begun to increasingly need funds, especially considering that a new phase of the war may begin, added Stanislav Zhelikhovsky.< /p>
However, these funds will not replace the $60 billion in major US aid that Congress also approved on April 20. It depends on it how military operations will take place, how our state will function in the context of its economic and financial sectors.
This is also important as confirmation of political support from the United States. A positive vote confirms that the country will continue to be our ally.
Frozen Russian assets: latest news
- The US House of Representatives on April 20 supported a bill that concerns frozen Russian assets. Next, the Senate must vote on the document. These funds are used for the needs of Ukraine.
- Prime Minister of Ukraine Denis Shmygal explained that money is needed to restore our state. First of all, it talks about repairing energy and critical infrastructure. It is known that out of the total amount of 280 billion, 210 are stored in Europe, from 5 to 8 billion in the USA, and 34 in Japan.
- Vladimir Zelensky has repeatedly emphasized that for To actively repel the enemy, Ukraine needs an economic shield. Therefore, frozen Russian assets should work against Russia. They can be used to restore the lives of Ukrainians. The President added that Vladimir Putin, as the culprit of the war, “must pay a painful price for it.”
