In his latest column for Politico, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has firmly articulated the country’s stance on the compensation owed by Russia for the immense losses inflicted upon Ukraine through its unprovoked and unjustified aggression.
One of Kuleba’s key arguments is the scale of frozen Russian assets in various Western jurisdictions, estimated to exceed $300 billion. According to the minister, the confiscation of these assets would not only be just but also lawful under international law. He cites UN articles on state responsibility for internationally wrongful acts, which entail reparations for acts of armed aggression.
“Some opponents of this idea illegitimately argue that confiscation could destabilize the Western financial system and international finance. However, authoritative experts have already refuted these concerns,” notes Kuleba.
It’s also worth noting that the confiscation of Russian assets could play a positive role in deterring similar acts of aggression in the future. As stated by the Ukrainian Foreign Minister, this could serve as an important signal to other countries considering intervention in the affairs of other states.
In light of Kuleba’s statements, it becomes evident that Ukraine not only seeks recognition of the damages caused by Russian aggression but also actively promotes the idea of accountability to the international community for such actions. It marks a decisive step towards restoring order and ensuring security in the region.