US proposes releasing frozen Russian assets, sparking backlash in Europe

The United States has proposed partially releasing frozen Russian assets as part of a peace package, according to the Financial Times, sparking immediate backlash from security policy figures. The proposal was presented at a Miami meeting last week with Trump negotiators and European, Ukrainian, and NATO representatives. European officials rejected the proposal, which included transferring assets to a US-controlled financial vehicle. Critics, including MEP Mika Aaltola and professor Michael McFaul, condemned the move as a concession to Russia without reciprocal benefits, while economist Timothy Ash blamed European inaction over four years. The frozen assets total approximately 260 billion euros, mostly held in the EU. The EU has granted Ukraine a 90-billion-euro loan backed by joint debt, with potential use of frozen assets for repayment remaining an open question.