US senators from both parties call on the White House to transfer frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine

A group of senators from the Republican and Democratic parties are calling on the Donald Trump administration to fully transfer more than $300 billion in frozen Russian assets to Ukraine, rather than just using interest on them to support Kyiv.

In a letter sent to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the senators emphasise the importance of a tougher policy towards Russia and the use of frozen assets as a means of pressure in negotiations.

In particular, does the Administration believe that assets under US and EU control should be used as leverage in negotiations with Russia to end the war? If so, how?’ the letter reads.
The letter was signed by Republicans Todd Young and Lindsey Graham, as well as Democrats Richard Blumenthal and Tim Kaine.

The letter was sent on 21 March, a few days before the start of new talks between the US and Russian delegations in Saudi Arabia.

The agency notes that for several years now, members of the US Congress have been calling for the seized Russian assets to be used to rebuild Ukraine, in order to reduce the cost of the conflict to US taxpayers and increase pressure on Moscow to reach a peaceful solution.

Source: NV, Reuters