With Trump, Ukraine renews appeal to seize Russia’s frozen billions

Ukrainian officials have renewed their push to gain access to hundreds of billions of dollars in frozen Russian assets in hopes of convincing newly arrived President Donald Trump to overcome opposition in Europe to the move.

The idea is that the use of an alternative source of funding to buy Ukraine weapons and pay for reconstruction will appeal to Trump as he seeks to cut foreign aid. The proposal has gained renewed urgency amid increased uncertainty over U.S. military support for the country.

Kyiv has long sought the outright confiscation of nearly $300 billion in Russian central bank assets — held mostly in Europe and frozen after Russia’s 2022 invasion — and Trump’s return, with his focus on ending the conflict, has revived conversation.

Read the full story here.