British Ambassador to Ukraine Martin Harris has said during a visit to Kyiv that he welcomes frozen Russian assets to be used to pay for “Ukraine’s defences” against Vladimir Putin.
Harris said that the war in Ukraine actually started 10-years ago and he believes that the war will last for quite some time, as Russia always prepares for long wars.
Harris said, “I believe that Putin has just one sole chance, and this is fatigue of partners of Ukraine.
“And the three conferences we held have clearly demonstrated just one thing: we are not fatigued, we stand with Ukraine. Now and forever.”
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The British Ambassador said that their solidarity is evidenced by three facts, the first one was seen in a conclusion by G7 member countries and other states offering a 10-year security agreement with Ukraine.
The second one is the decision to use frozen Russian assets. This is just the first step, and confiscation of all assets should ensue.
“This first step is very pragmatic, and very useful as well. Through this windfall tax on such assets we can issue loans worth $50 billion to Ukraine. This means, that Russia is paying for Ukraine’s defences.
The third is already in play with sanctions against Russia and Russian countries, he added, “This is already tough on the Russian economy, and the future will be even tougher.
Moscow warned Europe in April that Russia has a “prepared answer” to retaliate if almost $300 billion of Russian assets are seized by the West to used to finance Ukraine.
RIA state news agency quoted Valentina Matvienko, the speaker of the Russian upper house of parliament saying, “We also have a prepared answer.
“We have a draft law, which we are ready to consider immediately, on retaliatory measures.
“And the Europeans will lose more than we do.”
