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EU plans to discuss using frozen Russian assets for Ukraine on March 21-22

"From a legislative and legal point of view it will be difficult to reach an agreement at the summit, but we will have a discussion," a representative of the EU said

BRUSSELS, March 19. /TASS/. The heads of state and government of the European Union plan to discuss using income from frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, at the summit on March 21-22, a representative of the EU told reporters in Brussels.

"There will be a discussion on the use of revenues from Russian assets. I’m not saying that we will be able to complete the discussion (make a decision - TASS), but it will happen," he said.

According to him, Head of EU diplomacy Josep Borrell will present to the leaders of the community countries a final proposal on the use of profits from Russian assets for Ukraine. "Tomorrow we will see the final proposal. From a legislative and legal point of view it will be difficult to reach an agreement at the summit, but we will have a discussion. The goal is to try to reach a decision in the coming weeks," he added.

The diplomat emphasized that "the number of countries that are in favor of directing funds from Russian assets to military assistance to Ukraine is growing." "We are looking at how to use the money. We talked about the reconstruction of Ukraine in December. Now we are in a more difficult situation and the supply of weapons is more urgent," he explained.

In addition, according to the diplomat, the heads of state and government of the European Union intend to discuss strengthening sanctions against Russia due to the military operation in Ukraine, as well as measures to combat their circumvention.

Reuters reported earlier that Borrell will propose that EU countries send 90% of the proceeds from Russia's frozen assets to the European Peace Fund to finance arms supplies to Kiev, and transfer the remaining 10% to the EU budget to then be used to support Ukraine's military industry. These proposals are expected to be sent to EU countries ahead of the EU summit on March 21-22.

Earlier, the European Commission announced that it intends to impose a special tax on income from the reinvestment of frozen Russian assets, close to 100%, which will give the act of seizure the appearance of legality.

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