Germany opposes transfer of frozen Russian assets — Berlin wary of risks
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has opposed the hasty transfer of frozen Russian assets to Western partners. According to him, a joint decision by the European Union with clear mechanisms for protection is primarily needed to avoid legal and economic consequences. This was reported by The Public citing Reuters.
Merz emphasized that Germany aims to maintain solidarity with allies but does not support unilateral decisions. He called for the formation of a unified approach — based on a common EU position with guarantees that the use of assets will not create new risks for donor countries and will not provoke legal claims from Moscow.
According to Reuters, during negotiations with the Belgian Prime Minister, the Chancellor reiterated this position, emphasizing the importance of a careful approach to the issue of confiscation. Germany and Belgium are interested in further consultations within the EU and NATO before making a decision.
This statement by Merz is a signal to Western capitals that it is worth preparing not for a "populist" surge of support for Ukraine, but for a structured, collective, and legally balanced plan. Previously, some countries had already expressed readiness to transfer funds from Russian assets to Kyiv, while Berlin proposes a unified approach through a single fund with clear legal formalization.
Merz also added that the final decision should consider not only Ukraine's current needs but also the stability of the European financial system and commitments to international partners. Europe must act collectively — otherwise, the implementation of such a decision could lead to new disputes and risks.
