Germany Explores Productive Use of Frozen Russian Assets for Ukraine Aid

Germany is willing to engage in productive discussions on the use of Russian assets frozen within the European Union, according to Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil. Speaking in Copenhagen, Klingbeil highlighted Berlin's openness towards addressing this legally complex issue.

Ahead of talks with EU counterparts, he stated that Germany aims to facilitate possibilities rather than obstruct them. While the EU deliberates over intensified use of these assets to support Ukraine, some members remain cautious about crossing the line into asset seizure.

Only the interest from the frozen assets has been used so far, following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. However, Klingbeil's commitment to leveraging these assets signals Germany's sense of responsibility to aid Ukraine, despite ongoing legal challenges.

(With inputs from agencies.)