Irish MEP Regina Doherty has called on the European Union to seize frozen Russian central bank assets to support Ukraine’s defence and rebuilding efforts, as concerns mount over the future of international aid.
Doherty’s comments come ahead of Thursday’s EU summit on Ukraine and amid growing uncertainty following U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to halt military assistance to the war-torn nation.
“The EU has frozen over €200 billion in Russian central bank assets, yet so far, we’ve only redistributed the interest. Russia thinks it will get this money back after the war—it shouldn’t,” said Doherty.
“Instead of letting these funds sit idle, we should be using them now to help Ukraine rebuild, strengthen its defences, and secure its future as a free nation. It’s time to turn Putin’s own war chest against him.”
Doherty’s call puts pressure on EU leaders to move beyond the limited steps taken so far. Discussions have largely focused on the use of interest revenues generated by the frozen assets, but she insists that the full seizure and repurposing of these funds must now be on the table.
“The EU is running out of excuses. If we are serious about making Russia pay for the destruction it has caused, then it’s time to take full control of these assets,” she said.
Ireland has been a strong supporter of Ukraine through sanctions and aid packages, but Doherty warned that inaction on the issue of Russian state assets risks sending the wrong message to Moscow.
“Ireland should be pushing for an EU-wide decision to fully seize and redirect Russian central bank funds to Ukraine. This money should never return to the Kremlin,” she added.
As EU leaders prepare for crucial discussions, the spotlight will be on whether the bloc is ready to take the decisive financial measures Doherty is urging — and whether Europe will step up in the face of dwindling U.S. support.