US Senators Pressure Trump on Transferring Russian Assets to Ukraine.

A group of senators from the American Republican and Democratic parties is trying to convince President Trump's administration to transfer more than 300 billion dollars of confiscated Russian assets to aid Ukraine, rather than simply using the interest from this debt to support Kyiv. The senators wrote a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, stating that the US and the EU should utilize the assets they hold as leverage against Russia to end the war. The letter was signed by Republicans Todd Young and Lindsey Graham, as well as Democrats Richard Blumenthal and Tim Kaine. This letter reflects a shift in US policy in favor of Ukraine and the response from Republicans who support Ukraine. US Congress members have long called for the use of Russian assets for the reconstruction of Ukraine and to pressure Russia. They have also inquired about the possibility of using the assets to purchase defense equipment for Ukraine.

After Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, the US and its allies banned transactions with the Russian central bank and the Ministry of Finance, seizing sovereign Russian assets worth between 300 and 350 billion dollars. These assets include European, American, and British government bonds. European leaders want to use these assets for the reconstruction of Ukraine but have yet to agree on a way to utilize them. Meanwhile, relevant lawmakers have noted that they understand the position of the US administration regarding these assets.