Exclusive: Swedish EU letter reopens debate over frozen Russian assets - The Kyiv Independent
Sweden, along with the Netherlands, Poland, and Spain, is urging the EU to restart discussions on using frozen Russian financial assets to directly support Ukraine. A draft letter, seen by The Kyiv Independent, emphasizes the need for comprehensive financial support for Ukraine, noting that a previous €90 billion loan will not be sufficient.
Why it matters
This initiative could unlock significant funding for Ukraine's war effort and reconstruction, intensifying pressure on Russia while raising complex legal and economic questions for the EU.
Prefer on Google by Chris Powers Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (R) embraces President Volodymyr Zelensky as they deliver a joint press conference in Linkoping, Sweden, on Oct. 22, 2025(Jonathan Nackstrand/AFP via Getty Images) Sweden is urging the EU to revive discussions on using Russian financial assets frozen within the bloc to directly support Ukraine, according to an open letter to several EU officials.
A draft of the letter was seen by the Kyiv Independent on Aug. 26. In addition to Sweden, the letter lists the foreign ministers of the Netherlands, Poland, and Spain as co-signatories.
It is dated Aug. 27, and three EU diplomats separately told the Kyiv Independent they expect the letter to be sent on that day. The letter requests foreign ministers have a first discussion of the topic at an informal meeting due to take place in Ireland on Sept. 1-2.
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