“Ukraine and EU discussed SAFE defense initiative and confiscation of Russian assets – ShmyhalThe Minister of Defense of Ukraine held a conversation with EU Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis regarding the implementation of the
SAFE defense initiative and the financing of Ukraine’s defense needs. The parties also discussed the confiscation of frozen
Russian assets and the 19th package of sanctions against the Russian Federation.
”, — write: unn.ua
DetailsDuring the conversation, special attention was paid to the practical implementation of the SAFE instrument – the EU’s defense initiative worth 150 billion euros. 19 countries have already joined it.
We coordinated our needs, priority projects, and the involvement of Ukrainian defense industry enterprises in them. We also discussed the financing of Ukraine’s defense needs, particularly through the ERA mechanism. We expect the next tranche in October.
The parties also touched upon the issue of confiscation of frozen Russian assets. As Shmyhal noted, the aggressor’s funds should be directed to strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
In addition, the topic of further weakening Russia’s war machine was raised. The EU has already agreed on the 19th package of sanctions, and we expect its earliest approval.
RecallAccording to Bloomberg, European governments and G7 allies seek to expand the use of frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine.