Call to the European Council
Volodymyr Zelensky urged the European Council to make a decision on using frozen Russian assets to protect Ukraine from aggression and for its reconstruction. This issue will be discussed at the European Council meeting, which will take place on December 18, 2023. The President of Ukraine emphasized the importance of this step, noting that Russia's assets should be used similarly to confiscated money from drug traffickers and property seized from terrorists.
Zelensky also pointed out that Russia has reduced its military expenditures and decreased payments to mobilized soldiers, which may indicate its weakness. In this regard, the President of Ukraine called for active action from Europe to prevent Russia from hoping that it can continue the war for several more years and then receive compensation of 200 billion euros. He stressed that if Europe does not make a decision now, all words about European solidarity and the ability to defend global justice will be meaningless.
Support for Ukraine and economic development in Europe
The final decision on the reparations loan for Ukraine must be made at the EU summit, which will be held on December 18-19, 2023. Zelensky emphasized that a significant portion of the frozen assets will be directed towards the purchase of European weapons, which, in turn, will support European industry. Thus, the use of these assets should not only help Ukraine but also stimulate the economic development of European countries.
This initiative by President Zelensky underscores not only the economic but also the political importance of supporting Ukraine from Europe amid Russia's ongoing aggression. The use of frozen assets could become an important step in securing financial support for Ukraine's recovery and strengthening military capacity. In the event of a positive decision at the EU summit, this could also signal the unity of European countries in countering aggression and supporting global justice.