Løkke on seizing Russian funds: Complex issue

Denmark, as a strong supporter of Ukraine since Russia’s incursion three years ago, faces complex legalities in using frozen Russian assets, says Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen. Although EU nations consented to allocate parts of the interest income generated by these assets to support Ukraine’s defense through the European Peace Facility, utilizing the actual assets remains a debated issue. During her visit to Ukraine, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called for immediate action from European countries to aid Ukraine. The frozen funds, valued over 1,500 billion DKK, could potentially be used for war reparations post-conflict, Løkke noted. However, some EU countries are hesitant, concerned about violating international rules. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, a vocal Ukrainian ally, highlights different rules during wartime and supports using the aggressor nation’s funds for rebuilding Ukraine. The topic is pressing as the EU looks for alternative sources of aid, with a possible reduction in U.S. financial support looming.