Merkel Supports Use of Frozen RussianAssets to Fund Ukraine: Germany’s New Stance in European Policy
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has taken a significant step toward reevaluating approaches to Russia’s asset confiscation, endorsing the idea of utilizing frozen assets of the Russian Central Bank to finance Ukraine’s defense efforts.
According to him, this plan involves deploying nearly 140 billion euros as an interest-free loan, providing Ukraine with the opportunity to strengthen its military resilience in the long term.
Merz emphasized that this marks a shift in Germany’s traditional cautious stance on asset confiscation under international law.
However, he highlighted the importance of exploring options that enable Ukraine to access crucial funds without violating ownership rights and considering the euro’s role as a global reserve currency.
This decision has received approval within the European Union and represents a vital step in supporting Ukraine amid Russian aggression.
Merz stated that the primary goal is to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities and ensure security over the coming years.
At the same time, he stressed that such an approach must comply with international legal standards and be carefully analyzed legally.
French President Emmanuel Macron previously stated that the frozen assets of the Russian Central Bank cannot be seized—even in such critical circumstances—underlining the importance of respecting international law.
The EU has proposed an innovative mechanism, allowing Ukraine to receive immediate financial support through loans, with the repayment expected from Russia only after the end of the war.
These measures demonstrate a new level of cooperation and the desire to balance legal constraints with the urgent need to support Ukraine during these difficult times.