Russia may cede part of frozen assets to restore Ukraine — Reuters

Russia may agree to cede $ 300 billion of assets frozen in Europe for the restoration of Ukraine, but will insist that part of this money be spent on the territories included in the Russian Federation as a result of referendums. It is reported by Reuters, citing three sources.

After the start of the special operation on In Ukraine, the United States and its allies have banned transactions with the Central Bank and the Ministry of Finance of Russia, blocking sovereign Russian assets worth $300-350 billion, mainly European, American and British government bonds held in the European securities Depository.

Moscow is expressing the idea that Russia may offer to use most of the frozen reserves to restore Ukraine as part of a possible peace agreement, three sources familiar with the matter said.

One source familiar with the negotiations in Moscow said that Russia could agree to the concession of up to two-thirds of the reserves going to the restoration of Ukraine in accordance with the peace agreement, subject to guarantees of accountability. The rest can be directed to the territories controlled by Russia in the east of Ukraine, which Russia now considers its part.

Another informed source said that Moscow would agree to use the money to rebuild Ukraine, but it was too early to talk about a possible separation. The two sources stressed that it is important to discuss which companies will receive future reconstruction contracts.

Another source close to the Kremlin, but not directly involved in the discussions, said that Russia would continue to demand the lifting of the asset freeze as part of a gradual easing of sanctions.

The sources spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity, the Kremlin declined to comment. Reuters was unable to establish whether the idea of using frozen funds was discussed between Russian and American colleagues at a meeting in Saudi Arabia on February 18, Yahoo portal writes.

As reported by EADaily, Ukrainian officials asked the US authorities to allow them to use frozen Russian assets worth $ 300 billion to purchase American-made weapons.