The Times: Frozen Russian Assets Will Affect The Course Of The War In Ukraine

Zelensky may get a better position in future peace talks.

Frozen Russian assets could prove a crucial bargaining chip in negotiations to end the war for Ukraine and allies, says The Times.

Transferring at least some of the assets to Kiev soon is critical as the US has cut off funding for Ukraine since the arrival of President Donald Trump, while European governments are reluctant to increase their own debts to support Kiev.

Recent reports suggest Ukraine will face a budget deficit of more than 60 billion pounds ($79.8 billion) next year, and there is real concern that Kiev will be unable to continue the war if that money is not found.

The current plan would mean about 87 billion pounds ($115.7 billion) of assets held in the EU would be released, as well as about 8 billion pounds ($10.6 billion) held in Britain.

Trump has made no secret of his desire to push Ukraine to sign up to a U.S.-brokered "peace plan." He said Tuesday that Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky is "losing" the war and that there is "no doubt" that Russia has the stronger negotiating position.

European leaders believe that if an agreement is reached on assets, and quickly, to free up as much as 100 billion pounds ($133 billion) for Ukraine's war effort, it would greatly strengthen Zelensky's position in future negotiations - he would have a "strong hand," in Trump's card-carrying language.

This would demonstrate to Putin that Ukraine has the money to continue funding the war for at least two more years, further draining Russian resources - all while European countries are also increasing their own defense spending.

If a peace deal is reached, the idea is that the money will go toward Ukraine's long-term reconstruction.

The release of funding for Ukraine would certainly be a significant and tangible boost for Zelensky. But it is not a panacea, The Times cautions. Without continued American logistical and intelligence support, Kiev's ability to continue the war is questionable.

The agreement will nevertheless be an important moment that will give both Ukraine and other European countries more leverage in peace talks than they currently have.

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