Russia may be willing to allocate up to two-thirds of its $300 billion in frozen assets to help rebuild Ukraine, according to Reuters sources familiar with the matter. The move comes amid negotiations between US and Russian officials following a February 18 meeting in Saudi Arabia.
The talks reportedly focus on reconstruction efforts for Ukraine, but Russia insists that some funds be allocated to occupied territories in eastern Ukraine, which Moscow claims as part of its own territory. Key points of contention include the distribution of funds and the allocation of reconstruction contracts.
Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, over $300 billion in Russian central bank reserves were frozen, with most held in Belgium’s Euroclear depository. The EU has already begun leveraging proceeds from frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, receiving 3 billion euros ($3.09 billion) in January.
The US and G7 partners have pledged nearly $50 billion in loans to Ukraine, backed by revenue from Russian assets. A potential shift in Russia’s approach to post-war financial settlements signals a willingness to cooperate on rebuilding efforts, but also underscores its continued insistence on legitimizing its occupation of Ukrainian territories.
Source: https://kyivindependent.com/russia-may-offer-frozen-assets-for-ukraines-reconstruction-demands-funds-for-occupied-territories-reuters-reports