UCL Uncovering Politics cover image

UCL Uncovering Politics

Should Russian Assets Be Seized?

May 10, 2024
Discussion revolves around the proposal to seize Russian assets amounting to $300 billion in Western countries to support Ukraine. Dr. Veronica Fickfak provides insights on the legal and moral implications. International responses to Russia's expulsion from the Council of Europe are also explored, along with establishing a tribunal for crimes of aggression in Ukraine.
30:44

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Seizing Russian assets in Western countries could alleviate Ukraine's financial burden and support war efforts or post-war reconstruction.
  • The debate over confiscating Russian assets raises legal and moral dilemmas, shaping international law and human rights standards globally.

Deep dives

Seizing Russian Assets: Supporting Ukraine

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine against Russia has led to significant economic costs, with estimates indicating a yearly expense of around $50 billion. Postwar reconstruction is projected to require at least half a trillion dollars. Despite financial support from Western nations like the EU, uncertainty looms over continued financing for Ukraine. Proposals have emerged suggesting the permanent seizure of Russia's $300 billion assets in Western countries could be a potential solution. These funds, including Central Bank assets and oligarch resources, are primarily immobilized in Belgium, Germany, and France, and discussions focus on diverting this money to aid Ukraine's war efforts, reconstruction post-war, and addressing Russia's human rights violations.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode