Ukraine has formally rejected the idea of using Russian assets as a bargaining chip in peace negotiations, according to Iryna Mudra, deputy head of President Zelensky’s legal office. Mudra emphasized that maintaining these assets in a frozen state or employing them as leverage between Russia and any other power would not only fail to resolve the conflict but would also extend its duration.
In an email to the Kyiv Independent, Mudra stated, ‘Keeping the assets permanently ‘on ice’ or turning them into a bargaining chip between Russia and another power only prolongs the conflict.’ This position aligns with Ukraine’s broader strategy of seeking international support and sanctions against Russia while avoiding any actions that might be perceived as giving Russia an advantage in the negotiations.
Western allies have been divided on the issue of how to handle Russian assets, with some suggesting their use as leverage to pressure Moscow into a ceasefire or a peace agreement. However, Ukraine’s stance reflects a desire to maintain leverage in the negotiations and prevent any potential compromises that could be exploited by Russia.