Britain: The West Must Act More Boldly on Seizing Russian Assets

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said on Saturday that Western countries need to act more boldly in seizing the $300 billion in Russian assets that were frozen following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. In a note published in the British newspaper 'Sunday Times' to mark the second anniversary of the start of the war in Ukraine, he stated, 'We must be bolder in striking at Russia's war economy... and we must act boldly in seizing the hundreds of billions of frozen Russian assets.' Sunak noted that Ukraine still needs long-range weapons, drones, ammunition, and significant assistance. Last month, Dominic Johnson, the UK's Investment Minister, met with Wally Adeyemo, the U.S. Deputy Treasury Secretary, to discuss the seizure of frozen Russian assets, emphasizing that the seizure must be conducted in accordance with international law. Previously, the European Union, the United States, Japan, and Canada had frozen about $300 billion of the Russian central bank's assets in 2022 due to Russia's attack on Ukraine, and industrialized countries in the 'Group of Seven' are still considering asset seizures as a way to compensate for Russia's aggression against Ukraine. Rishi Sunak also urged the United States to continue its financial and military support for Ukraine, writing in his note, 'We must never underestimate what the U.S. has done for Ukraine and Euro-Atlantic security. I ask them to continue this support, and I am confident they will.' Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, stated on Friday, February 23, at the UN Security Council, marking the second anniversary of Russia's attack on Ukraine, that Russia has created a global crisis in all areas by attacking Ukraine. Criticizing Russia's destructive actions over the past two years, she added, 'This senseless war has exacerbated the global food insecurity crisis, disrupted the global energy market, caused irreparable damage to the Earth's environment, and weakened the global non-proliferation regime.' The U.S. Ambassador to the UN also praised the courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people against Russia's invasion, stating, 'During this time, Putin has tried to force Ukrainians to surrender, but despite all this oppression, damage, death, and destruction, the Ukrainian people have not surrendered. They have continued to fight, defending not only their land but also their freedom, democracy, and identity, showing the world that society is a form of resistance.' Leila Marouti: As long as the West does not take a strong stance against Russia, the war in Ukraine will continue. Ukraine on the second anniversary of Russia's invasion: Iran should not send weapons to Moscow. Russian officials handed over Alexei Navalny's body to his mother. Western solidarity with Kyiv; EU aid will continue until Ukraine's 'final liberation.' Yulia Navalnaya to Russian officials: Hand over Alexei Navalny's body to his family. U.S. Ambassador to the UN: Russia has created a global crisis in all areas by attacking Ukraine. The White House: U.S. Navy's preemptive strikes against Houthis were effective.