EU lawmaker calls freezing of Russian assets 'theft'
Slovak MEP Lubos Blaha has criticized the EU's decision to freeze Russian assets, contending that this action amounts to stealing. Read Full Article at RT.com
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Lubos Blaha has raised concerns regarding the action taken against Moscow, pointing out that US funds were not targeted during its invasion of Iraq.
The seizure of Russian assets by Western nations has been described by Slovak MEP Lubos Blaha as equivalent to “theft.” He urged EU authorities to cease the flow of money and arms to Ukraine amidst its conflict with Russia.
Since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict over two years ago, the US, EU, and their allies have frozen an estimated $300 billion in assets belonging to the Russian state. A significant portion, approximately €197 billion, is being held at the Brussels-based clearinghouse Euroclear.
“The freezing of Russian assets is theft and robbery. You can find hundreds of justifications for this, but this is theft,” Blaha declared during a European Parliament session in Strasbourg on Monday.
“Europe didn’t steal American assets at the time of unjustified aggression against Iraq. Will we do the same with Israeli assets?” he questioned, referencing the recent tensions in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Having visited Moscow earlier this month, Blaha urged EU lawmakers to employ “common sense,” advocating for Brussels to “stop sending Ukraine weapons and billions of euros” that could be of greater use within the EU.
“This is unfair to our own citizens,” he asserted.
On Tuesday, the European Parliament approved a loan of up to €35 billion for Ukraine, utilizing immobilized Russian assets as collateral for repayment. According to Euroclear, the frozen assets have accrued €3.4 billion in interest as of mid-July.
Blaha argued that the “only way to stop Ukraine’s agony is to put an end to NATO expansion,” criticizing the increasing Russophobia and “militaristic and hateful statements” in the European Parliament.
His sentiments were echoed by fellow Slovak MEP Milan Uhrik, who expressed discontent over continued financial assistance to Ukraine.
“They canceled elections, they cracked down on the opposition, they canceled the rights of minorities and independent media, and yet you want to send them more and more money,” Uhrik remarked.
Emily Johnson for TROIB News
The seizure of Russian assets by Western nations has been described by Slovak MEP Lubos Blaha as equivalent to “theft.” He urged EU authorities to cease the flow of money and arms to Ukraine amidst its conflict with Russia.
Since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict over two years ago, the US, EU, and their allies have frozen an estimated $300 billion in assets belonging to the Russian state. A significant portion, approximately €197 billion, is being held at the Brussels-based clearinghouse Euroclear.
“The freezing of Russian assets is theft and robbery. You can find hundreds of justifications for this, but this is theft,” Blaha declared during a European Parliament session in Strasbourg on Monday.
“Europe didn’t steal American assets at the time of unjustified aggression against Iraq. Will we do the same with Israeli assets?” he questioned, referencing the recent tensions in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Having visited Moscow earlier this month, Blaha urged EU lawmakers to employ “common sense,” advocating for Brussels to “stop sending Ukraine weapons and billions of euros” that could be of greater use within the EU.
“This is unfair to our own citizens,” he asserted.
On Tuesday, the European Parliament approved a loan of up to €35 billion for Ukraine, utilizing immobilized Russian assets as collateral for repayment. According to Euroclear, the frozen assets have accrued €3.4 billion in interest as of mid-July.
Blaha argued that the “only way to stop Ukraine’s agony is to put an end to NATO expansion,” criticizing the increasing Russophobia and “militaristic and hateful statements” in the European Parliament.
His sentiments were echoed by fellow Slovak MEP Milan Uhrik, who expressed discontent over continued financial assistance to Ukraine.
“They canceled elections, they cracked down on the opposition, they canceled the rights of minorities and independent media, and yet you want to send them more and more money,” Uhrik remarked.
Emily Johnson for TROIB News
