The German government maintains a cautious approach regarding the potential use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, while no longer definitively rejecting the possibility. This shift in stance is detailed in a response to a parliamentary inquiry led by Agnieszka Brugger, deputy parliamentary group chair of the Green Party, as reported by the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.
According to the response from the Federal Ministry of Finance, the German government is actively participating in discussions within the G7 to explore avenues for utilizing Russian state assets in a legally sound manner to aid Ukraine. However, the Ministry’s communication reiterates the concerns that have previously discouraged such action. These include the potential for significant legal, financial and political repercussions, specifically addressing issues of state immunity, liability risks and potential impacts on capital markets.
The Ministry emphasized that any further utilization of these assets must be based on a financially and legally robust foundation.
Agnieszka Brugger criticized the government’s continued deliberation, stating that bureaucratic caution hinders progress in addressing the conflict. She argued that after more than three years of war in Ukraine, the government has not made significant headway and that Russia must be held accountable for its actions across all levels. Brugger urged for a swift identification of a viable path forward rather than continued assessments of feasibility.
