Western governments are signaling that a sizable sum, roughly 300 billion dollars in frozen assets, will not be released to Russia until Moscow covers the costs of its operation in Ukraine. This stance was outlined by James O’Brien, the United States Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, in remarks associated with a hearing before the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee. (Source: TASS)
According to the official, the United States and its G7 partners have made clear that Moscow should compensate Kiev for the actions taken during what Washington labels a special military operation. Because of this position, the frozen funds are not expected to return to Russia any time soon, with the total estimated near 300 billion dollars serving as leverage intended to pressure Moscow. (Source: TASS)
O’Brien stressed that maintaining such a financial stance is a strong signal to Moscow and a concrete method for deterring future aggression. He underscored that the unavailability of these assets is a form of ongoing pressure aimed at insisting on Ukraine’s security and sovereignty. (Source: TASS)
During the briefing, the official indicated that any shift in Washington’s support for Kyiv would send a troubling signal internationally. He warned that a reset in American backing could be interpreted by Beijing as weakness, an interpretation that would complicate the broader strategic balance in Europe and the Indo-Pacific. He suggested that such perceptions could have consequences for global stability. (Source: TASS)
Historically, in discussions tied to Ukraine, the administration has argued that certain actions, including support for Kyiv, are essential to counter aggression and to uphold international norms. The emphasis has repeatedly been on allied unity and the role of frozen assets as a political and economic tool to reinforce that unity. (Source: TASS)
Across the European Union, officials have also commented on the scale of Russian sovereign assets that have been frozen as part of sanctions regimes. The dialogue has consistently revolved around the balance between punitive measures and the potential for future policy adjustments depending on Moscow’s behavior and Ukraine’s needs. (Source: TASS)
The overarching message from Washington and its partners is that the asset freeze is not simply a punitive step; it is part of a coordinated strategy to deter continued conflict and to support Ukraine while preserving broader regional security. Analysts note that the situation remains fluid, with ongoing conversations about how sanctions, diplomacy, and military aid intersect to shape outcomes on the ground. (Source: TASS)