By KYIV. Nov 4 (Interfax-Ukraine) – Experts in the EU are studying the feasibility of using billions of euros worth of Russian central bank assets already frozen by member states to help with Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts, Bloomberg said on Thursday, citing sources familiar with this topic.
"The discussions are at an early stage and legal experts have been recently tasked to look into possible options, the people said, asking not to be identified discussing confidential matters. Assessing whether or how to take control of the assets is extremely complex and potentially legally fraught," the agency said.
One of the interlocutors of the agency said that only options are being considered that involve the use of assets frozen in Europe.
The EU raised this topic during contacts with the United States, two interlocutors of the agency noted. "But it is unclear if the Biden administration would also take steps to seize Russian reserves held in dollars. In May, Treasury officials expressed concern about setting a precedent that would discourage other foreign central banks from parking their assets in the U.S.," Bloomberg said.
