The ambassadors of the EU countries allowed the indefinite freezing of the assets of the Russian Federation

The ambassadors of the EU member states allowed the indefinite freezing of Russian assets. This was announced by Denmark’s EU presidency, Radio Svoboda correspondent reports.

The relevant procedural changes were approved by a qualified majority.

This allows us to move away from unanimity, which is necessary for the extension of anti-Russian sanctions, which is resorted to twice a year.

Thus, the threat of a potential veto by Hungary or another state, which would allow unfreezing of the assets that should become the basis of the reparation loan to Ukraine, is eliminated.

Read also: Hungary Blocks EU “Plan B” Regarding Funding Ukraine – Politico

The frozen Russian assets will have to be used for Ukraine “at a certain point”, said Belgian Deputy Prime Minister Vincent Van Peteghem, adding that, however, Belgium “will not make any rash compromises” before agreeing to any agreement on this issue, Reuters reports.

In recent weeks, the idea of ​​a “reparation loan” to Kyiv for 140 billion dollars secured by Russian assets has been discussed in Europe. Belgium, in whose jurisdiction the bulk of the funds reside, is categorically against this, fearing possible legal claims from Russia.

The European Central Bank is also not ready to insure such a “reparation loan”.

Russia categorically rejects any attempts to confiscate its funds and calls the possible use of these assets for the benefit of Ukraine theft.