Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof supports the use of frozen Russian assets for Ukraine but emphasizes that it must be a technically and financially feasible solution.
He made the remarks ahead of the European Council meeting in Brussels.
“We are in favor of using frozen Russian assets for the benefit of Ukraine. As I have said, it must be a technically and financially feasible solution,” Schoof said.
He also acknowledged Belgium’s position, which expresses concern about the associated risks.
“I understand the position of our Belgian colleagues that we must share the risks, and I still believe that. But I also think it is very important that these funds are available for Ukraine’s needs. That is why I say they must specify what exactly they want to spend them on,” the Dutch prime minister added.
Schoof stressed the need to coordinate a risk-sharing mechanism among EU and G7 countries and make these funds available for both Ukraine’s immediate needs and long-term reconstruction.
“We are talking about huge sums, and Ukraine needs a lot of money. It is important that Ukraine receives the necessary support. This requires significant resources, and also for the longer term — for rebuilding,” he noted.
According to him:
“this needs to be very carefully considered. These are Russian assets, and Russia is also the aggressor, so we need to look at how to make this practically feasible,” the prime minister said.
He welcomed the U.S. sanctions against Russian oil companies Rosneft and Lukoil.
