Russia's frozen assets could be decisive in war — Reuters
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The use of frozen Russian assets worth $300 billion would have strengthened Ukraine's position in the war for three years. Such a decision would also encourage Russia to make a more favorable deal.
This was reported by Reuters on Monday, November 25.
Russian assets can become a trump card for Ukraine
The publication notes that if Europe promises to find the funds, possibly using $300 billion of frozen Russian assets, then US President-elect Donald Trump could negotiate a better deal with the Kremlin leader.
The article states that these funds would be enough to support Ukraine for three years. In turn, such a decision could convince Putin that Ukraine can withstand a war of attrition.
"The three-year commitment will also give Western arms manufacturers an incentive to improve and produce more weapons, thereby achieving economies of scale," Reuters writes.
It is not only Ukraine that is nervous that Trump might break the ceasefire agreement, which benefits the Russian dictator. Thus, Europe has a strong incentive to persuade Trump to keep the deal and show that it is possible to find money to defend Ukraine if the war drags on.
"One way to put pressure on Russia is for Trump to tell Putin that the West is ready to provide so much additional financial and military support that Ukraine can hold the front line," the report says.
After all, Russia will eventually run out of troops and money, so it would be in Russia's interest to negotiate a decent deal now. It would also be a chance to demonstrate Trump's promised "peace through strength" approach to foreign policy.
As a reminder, Trump's National Security Advisor Michael Waltz said that the team is working closely with the administration of current US President Joe Biden. In particular, on the issue of the war in Ukraine.
Earlier, we wrote that Ukraine's ambassador to Brazil, Andrii Melnyk, called the next eight weeks before Trump's inauguration crucial.
