Archive · 7 Nov 2025
U.S. Backs EU Plan to Use Frozen Russian Assets for Ukraine
Imagine Russia put some money, like pocket money, in a piggy bank in Europe.
Because Russia started a big fight with Ukraine, Europe and the U.S. have frozen that piggy bank so Russia can't use the money.
Now, the U.S. is telling Europe it's okay for them to use that frozen money to help Ukraine.
This is like telling a friend they can use some of another kid's allowance, which they can't currently get to, to help fix a problem caused by the other kid.
Some countries in Europe are worried about doing this, and Russia is saying it will be very angry if they do.
Russia also says it had nothing to do with some mysterious drone sightings near where the money is kept.
The U.S. fully supports the European Union's plan to utilize frozen Russian sovereign assets.
The EU proposal aims to use up to 185 billion euros of frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine and end the war.
Concerns from Belgium, where most of the assets are located, are currently blocking the EU proposal.
Russia denies involvement in recent drone sightings over Belgian facilities and warns of retaliation if assets are seized.
The U.S. has previously imposed sanctions on major Russian oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil, to pressure Moscow.
- Who
- The United States and the European Union
- What
- The U.S. fully supports the EU's plan to use frozen Russian sovereign assets to aid Ukraine and end the war with Russia.
- When
- Friday (announcement of U.S. backing), ongoing (frozen assets since 2022)
- Where
- Europe (where assets are frozen) and Washington (source of U.S. support)
- Why
- To increase pressure on Moscow and support Ukraine in ending the war.
European Union Proposal
Concerns and Russian Response
Use of Assets
European Union Proposal
The European Commission proposed a plan to use up to 185 billion euros of frozen Russian sovereign assets without outright confiscation, aiming to support Ukraine and end the war.
Concerns and Russian Response
Concerns from Belgium, where most assets are held, are delaying the proposal. Germany suggested recent drone sightings over Belgian facilities might be a message from Moscow against touching the assets.
Russian Reaction
European Union Proposal
The U.S. fully supports the EU's move to utilize these assets as a tool to pressure Russia and end the conflict.
Concerns and Russian Response
Moscow denies any connection to the drone incidents and has warned of a 'painful response' if its assets are seized.
- Total Frozen Russian Assets in Europe
- 210 billion euros
- Proposed Amount EU Could Use
- Up to 185 billion euros
- Key Location of Frozen Assets
- Belgium
- U.S. Sanction Targets (Late Last Month)
- Rosneft and Lukoil
- Source of U.S. Support
- U.S. source familiar with the situation