Von der Leyen advocates using frozen assets from Russia to buy arms and ammunition for Ukraine

The EU is debating what to do with it The frozen assets of Russia and its oligarchs, The measures included in the 13th round of sanctions include the freezing of all types of financial assets, including the reserves of the Central Bank of Russia. 27, the Community Institute, the OECD or the G7 have been thinking for a long time what to do with them so that “Russia pays the costs of the war.”

Central banks and many capitals have serious doubts about the legality and convenience of simply seizing them, and in recent months have considered using those resources, which have been dormant for some time, to generate profits, And to utilize those profits. Searched and highlighted. Or even charge a higher rate on profits, which seems to satisfy everyone more. But the exact usage has never been clear. Today, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has given some form to those ideas by advocating that Use the money from the estate to buy weapons and ammunition for Kiev,

The main debate in the European Parliament’s plenary session this Wednesday in Brussels has focused on security and defence, the fashionable topic. Von der Leyen has already said that the next commission, which she hopes to lead, should include someone responsible for defence. It is a delicate issue, and High Representative Josep Borrell, who has never had the slightest harmony with his boss, has repeatedly criticized it, because there are no powers included in the treaties. This would be a more responsible person for the defense industry, but who can compete with competitors of the industry in the common or internal market. Another option would be to give him a wallet to buy ammunition or weapons, but this is much more delicate politically. And it is within that framework that von der Leyen suggests the use of assets.

“I want us to think bigger. Now is the time to use the windfall profits from frozen Russian assets to jointly purchase military equipment for Ukraine. There is no greater symbol or There could be no better use of that money and the whole of Europe is a safer place to live,” said the Commission President. Strasbourg, in full session, “Ultimately, this is about Europe taking responsibility for its own security. The simple truth is that we do not have the luxury of relaxing. We have no control over elections or decisions in other parts of the world and we have time to avoid That’s not the point. With or without the support of our partners, we cannot let Russia win. And the cost of insecurity of a Russian victory is far greater than any savings we’ve made so far. That’s why now is the time Let us go one step further to Europe,” he urged.

Till now the general discussion talked about using the money for the reconstruction of the country in general terms. but it’s certain Wave of pessimism in Europe or Washington Faced with military stagnation, problems in completing aid packages for Ukraine or the possibility of a major Russian attack in late spring, it is now regrouping with the help of North Korea, Iran or China. So the message is clear: it is better to use money, any money, than to avoid defeat, because without victory there can be no reconstruction.

In recent weeks, heads of state and government, ministers and senior military officers have raised their voices talking about the risks of a Russian attack even on NATO territory in the next five or seven years. There are some genuine fears, indications, but also a desire to warn citizens, to warn them, to prepare them for the efforts and changes that go along with war or at least a war economy. On Monday, after inviting several European leaders, Emmanuel Macron frightened many by not rejecting European troops in Ukraine. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz immediately came out to deny this possibility, and the Elysee itself came out to say that there was no talk of combat troops, but perhaps training or mining, But there is noise.

Navalnya asked Europe to wake up

He was also at the European Parliament’s plenary session this Wednesday Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who died in a Russian prison this month at the hands of Putin’s men. She, who has taken over the helm of the foundation and will continue its opposition work, urged Europeans to wake up, act and “stop being boring” if they want to defeat Putin. The EU has a reputation for being boring, rigid and procedural. Doing things slowly, predictably. It’s an important machine, but its steps are also predictable.

“They must stop being boring. They cannot harm Putin with another proposal or a package of sanctions, they will not defeat him by thinking that he is a man of principles or morality. This is not the case, and Alexey saw this long ago. Saw.” “Yes, indeed. They want to defeat Putin, they have to do something new (…) They will not harm Putin with another proposal or another round of sanctions that is no different from the previous ones (…) They are not dealing with a With the politician but with a bloodthirsty gangster (…) The most important thing is the people close to Putin, his friends, his associates and the people protecting the mafia money (…) You, all of us, It must be fought against this criminal gang, “the Russian citizen urged the representatives who gave her husband in 2021 Sakharov Prize.

Navalnaya stressed that, in this case, being politically innovative means “fighting organized crime, not political competition. Not diplomatic messages, but scrutiny of the financial machinery. Not statements of concern, but in their own countries. “Investigating mafia associates, discreet lawyers and financiers who help Putin and his friends hide money,” he concluded.