Borrell expects EU leaders to give instructions to "quickly approve" the proposal on profits from Russian assets for Ukraine
Kyiv • UNN
The head of the EU diplomacy expects the bloc's leaders to instruct ministers to quickly propose a proposal on how to channel the proceeds of frozen Russian assets.
The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, expects that the leaders of the bloc will instruct their ministers to quickly approve the proposal to direct the proceeds from the frozen assets of the Russian Federation, which will provide 3 billion euros a year for Ukraine's defense. He said this on Thursday upon his arrival at the EU summit, UNN reports.
I assume that the leaders will support my joint proposal with the European Commission to profit from Russia's frozen assets. I have sent this proposal to the EU Council, and the EU Council will decide. And I expect the leaders to tell their ministers to quickly approve this proposal, which will provide 3 billion euros a year for Ukraine's defense
Recall
The European Commission's proposal states that 90 percent of the proceeds from frozen Russian assets should be used to buy weapons for Ukraine.
As Reuters notes, the idea of using the proceeds to benefit Ukraine enjoys broad support among EU governments, as diplomats say. However, using the money to buy weapons for some countries is said to be more problematic. It is noted that this proposal raises questions, in particular, among neutral countries, or those that are not part of military alliances, "such as Malta, Austria and Ireland.
It is also noted that attention will be focused on the reaction of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who maintains closer ties with Moscow than other EU leaders and opposes sending weapons to Ukraine.
DW's source said that Hungary opposes the use of these funds to buy weapons for Ukraine.
It is reported that no final decision is expected at the summit. But the leaders will indicate how the EU should proceed with this proposal.
