There is no consensus among EU countries on granting Ukraine frozen Russian assets, according to Tusk.

The EU lacks a unified stance on the provision of frozen Russian assets to Ukraine, stated Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on March 2 at a London summit dedicated to Ukraine, as reported by Ukrinform.

Western nations froze Russian assets amounting to $300 billion at the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Ukraine has received only loans, which were covered by the interest accrued from the frozen assets.

“Everyone understands that the best course of action would be to transfer these funds for the defense and reconstruction of Ukraine,” said Tusk.

The term for the freezing of Russian assets in the EU expires in June. Tusk urged the EU to extend sanctions against Russian assets amid concerns about opposition from Hungary, which has repeatedly clashed with the EU regarding the implementation of sanctions against Russia.

“We must focus on continuing the sanctions, as they are effective,” Tusk remarked.

The EU must maintain sanctions against Russia. These sanctions contribute to Russia's economic and financial vulnerability, Tusk added.

European leaders are cautious about utilizing these assets due to “concerns about negative repercussions for the euro and the banking system,” said the head of the Polish government.

Tusk further noted that Poland urges other EU member states to support the transfer of Russian assets to Ukraine, but it does not have a decisive vote as it is not part of the Eurozone.

Currently, the interest accrued from the frozen Russian assets is being used to assist Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, the politician pointed out.

The leadership of Hungary and Slovakia has repeatedly propagated pro-Russian narratives and opposed EU support for Ukraine.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban called on EU leaders to forgo a joint statement supporting Ukraine ahead of the summit on March 6.