US urges Europe to release part of frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine peace talks
The United States proposed that European nations unlock a portion of Russia's frozen assets to jump-start negotiations over Ukraine, but European delegates rejected the idea.
In Miami, US officials met with Ukrainian, French, German, British, EU and NATO representatives to discuss ways to revive peace talks with Russia. The United States put forward a proposal to release part of the Russian state assets that have been frozen since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Options included transferring the money into a new financial instrument under Washington's oversight.
The plan was outlined by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, a senior adviser. European negotiators dismissed the suggestion, refusing to move forward with any release of the assets. The frozen funds remain under sanctions imposed after Russia's February 2022 attack on Ukraine.
Why it matters
Releasing frozen Russian assets could provide resources for Ukraine and influence the peace process, but European resistance highlights diplomatic tensions.
How the sides frame it
HIGH AGREEMENTBoth camps convey the same basic report that the United States proposed unfreezing some Russian assets to fund a Washington-overseen mechanism aimed at reviving Ukraine-Russia peace talks.
LEFT
US urges Europe to release frozen Russian assets, but European negotiators reject the idea.
CENTER
US proposes unfreezing part of Russian sovereign assets and transferring them to a Washington-supervised vehicle to restart peace negotiations.
The left emphasises
- proposal to release part of frozen Russian state assets
- European negotiators dismissed the suggestion
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