Officials from the United States indicated a continued, disciplined approach to recovering and reallocating funds tied to Russian assets that have been frozen. Daphne Rand, who chairs policy discussions within the State Department’s Office of Assistance to Other States, confirmed that U.S. authorities intend to persist with asset confiscation efforts as authorized by the December legislation. This stance reflects a broader strategy to leverage frozen resources in support of international aid objectives and strategic priorities in Europe and beyond. The message was delivered during a special briefing focused on U.S. initiatives to provide foreign assistance while maintaining rigorous adherence to legal frameworks and due process, as reported by DEA News.
Rand clarified that the DOJ team cited in prior statements would continue to operate under the law, pursuing asset recovery in a manner that aligns with the constitutional safeguards and statutory provisions enacted last winter. The overarching aim, she noted, is to ensure that confiscated funds are managed responsibly and directed toward legitimate, approved purposes in line with both domestic law and international obligations. In looking ahead, she emphasized that ongoing efforts will be coordinated with allied governments and international partners to maximize both transparency and accountability in how these resources are handled. The State Department is actively evaluating the most effective methods for disposing of seized assets in a way that supports aid programs and strategic objectives, while preserving the integrity of the legal process and the trust of international partners. (Source: DEA News)
Earlier developments included a structural shift in how the European Union’s representation engaged with frozen Russian assets, with the Swedish mission playing a pivotal role as the permanent representative for EU member states. A decision was approved to establish a dedicated working group tasked with assessing and directing the use of these frozen funds in a manner that benefits Ukraine, with careful consideration given to legal, economic, and humanitarian implications. The move signals a collaborative effort across borders to translate asset freezes into practical support for Ukraine’s needs, while maintaining a coordinated stance on sanctions and international law. (Source: European Union statements via diplomatic channels)
Andrey Kelin, the Russian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, referenced London’s ongoing intentions to seize frozen Russian assets within the kingdom’s jurisdiction and indicated readiness to draft enabling legislation. While he acknowledged that there was no existing law at the moment to authorize such seizures, he pointed to a broader trend in which several jurisdictions are examining or developing legal mechanisms to reclaim assets as part of sanction regimes. He also noted that preliminary cases involving the confiscation of individual assets have already reached a judicial stage in some forums, underscoring the evolving legal landscape on asset seizure. Kelin’s remarks aligned with parallel discussions happening in the European Union and in Washington, which he described as actively pursuing frameworks to coordinate asset recovery and its use for state and humanitarian purposes. (Source: Reuters Wire via Kelin remarks)”