Putin Offers Frozen Assets for Ukraine Rebuild

 Email: online@newsofbahrain.com

Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin has said Moscow could consider allowing some of its sovereign assets frozen abroad to be used for rebuilding war-damaged parts of Ukraine, but only after a comprehensive peace agreement is reached between the two countries. The remarks mark a notable shift in tone, though they remain firmly conditional on an end to hostilities.

 Putin indicated that funds immobilised under Western sanctions, particularly assets frozen in the United States, could potentially be directed toward reconstruction efforts as part of a post-war settlement. He suggested that up to $1 billion from these assets might be allocated for peace and rebuilding, provided a formal treaty is concluded.

 The comments come amid renewed diplomatic engagement involving Russian officials and US-linked envoys, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who are exploring possible pathways to end the nearly four-year conflict. Putin also referenced broader international peace initiatives, signalling openness to discussions on post-conflict recovery frameworks involving global partners.

 Russia’s overseas assets, estimated at more than $300 billion worldwide, were frozen by the United States, the European Union and other allies following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Western governments, including the G7, have said the funds will remain blocked until Russia ends the war and compensates Ukraine, though legal disputes continue over how the assets could ultimately be used.

 Analysts caution that Putin’s proposal, while symbolically significant, faces major legal and political obstacles and depends heavily on progress in peace negotiations. Any transfer of frozen assets would require complex agreements among Russia, Ukraine and Western governments, underscoring the challenges that remain in translating diplomatic signals into concrete outcomes.