Brussels: The European Union (EU) has announced that it has transferred 1.5 billion euros ($1.62 billion) of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. This transfer was enabled by a set of legal acts adopted in May, allowing these net profits to be used for Ukraine's benefit. The first payment from these immobilized assets will be distributed through the European Peace Facility and the Ukraine Facility.
In a statement on Friday, the EU said this was the first payment derived from immobilised Russian assets. The funds will be allocated through the European Peace Facility and to the Ukraine Facility.
The 1.4 billion euros allocated to the European Peace Facility will be used to finance the acquisition of priority military equipment, including air defence systems and artillery ammunition, said Josep Borrell, the EU's high representative for foreign affairs.
"There is no better symbol or use for the Kremlin's money than to make Ukraine and all of Europe a safer place to live," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.
The Kremlin has condemned the EU's decision as illegal. "This is certainly a reason for thoughtful actions in response to such illegal decisions that are being implemented by the European Union," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, warning that the move will not go unanswered.
Source:IANS
int/sha