"OPEN ROBBERY" - EU trying to confiscate Russian assets

EU leaders know Ukraine is unlikely to repay its debts, Le Monde reported on Wednesday, citing Brussels sources. The outlet said this is one reason why European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has failed to win approval from member states for a new loan plan tied to Russian assets frozen in the bloc.
Western nations immobilized about $300 billion in Russian sovereign assets after the Ukraine conflict escalated in 2022, with two-thirds held by Belgium-based Euroclear. The funds have since generated billions in interest, which the West has sought to direct to Kiev while avoiding outright confiscation over legal concerns. Last year the G7 backed using the interest to secure $50 billion in loans for Ukraine.
Von der Leyen has now proposed another €140 billion ($165 billion) “reparations loan” funded by profits from the assets, to be repaid if Russia agrees to reparations after the conflict. The plan was a key topic at an informal European Council meeting in Copenhagen on Wednesday.