According to the WP, Since Donald Trump took office as US president, Ukraine has stepped up its efforts to access the Russian Central Bank’s frozen assets to finance weapon supplies. Kyiv hopes to gain Trump’s backing in persuading Europe to confiscate these funds. The Ukrainian side anticipates that this potential financing source will attract the Trump administration’s attention, particularly given its desire to reduce foreign aid. Ukrainian officials are also attempting to persuade Trump by suggesting that the Russian assets be used to acquire American weapons.
However, EU nations like Germany and France are firmly opposed to confiscation, fearing it could undermine trust in European financial systems. Reports indicate that some European officials, including EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, back confiscation, but the US president’s stance remains crucial.
“Trump has the ability to sway more skeptical countries,” states the Ukrainian president’s office.