The United States has expressed full support for the European Union's proposal to use frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine and bring an end to the war with Russia, a U.S. source familiar with the matter told Reuters on Friday.
As the West intensifies its efforts to pressure Moscow, the European Commission has put forward a plan allowing EU governments to use up to 185 billion euros ($217 billion) – the majority of the 210 billion euros worth of Russian sovereign assets currently frozen in Europe – without formally confiscating them.
Washington "absolutely supports" the EU and its current steps to utilise these assets as a tool, the source said, speaking anonymously to discuss a sensitive issue.
Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the United States and its allies imposed bans on transactions with Russia's central bank and finance ministry, freezing approximately $300 billion of Russian sovereign assets.
However, the European proposal is facing delays due to concerns raised by Belgium, where the majority of the frozen assets are held.
On Friday, Germany suggested that recent drone sightings over airports and military bases in Belgium could be a warning from Moscow not to touch the frozen assets. Moscow has denied any involvement in the incidents and has threatened a "painful response" if its assets are seized.
In a renewed effort to end Russia's war, U.S. President Donald Trump imposed sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil, Russia's two largest oil companies, last month. This adds to the extensive economic sanctions already in place, aimed at pressuring Moscow and its business partners.
The move underscores Washington's resolve to tighten the financial squeeze on Russia, with the goal of pushing the Kremlin toward a peace agreement in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The U.S. is closely monitoring the consequences of the Rosneft and Lukoil sanctions and "there are more actions we could take to escalate pressure," the source added.
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Hungary's parliament on Monday approved a constitutional amendment limiting prime ministers to a maximum of eight years in office, a move that effectively prevents former premier Viktor Orbán from returning to the country's top political post.
The United Nations Security Council unanimously extended the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) until 17 June 2027 in New York on Monday, preserving its humanitarian, rights and political work.
The first day of the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Évian-les-Bains, France, was dominated by discussions on the Middle East, Ukraine and the global economy, as leaders grappled with multiple crises that have reshaped the international landscape.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 produced drama and surprises on 14-15 June, with Iran fighting back to draw 2-2 with New Zealand, Ivory Coast scoring a stoppage-time winner over Ecuador, Sweden thrashing Tunisia 5-1, and debutants Cape Verde holding Spain to a goalless draw.
Details of a reported draft memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran offer the clearest picture yet of how both sides plan to end months of conflict and move towards a longer-term settlement.
The U.S. and Iran say they have reached a deal to end their conflict, with an immediate ceasefire and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz after the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade. Talks will continue over the next 60 days to finalise the agreement
A senior U.S. official said on Monday that the memorandum of understanding linked to the U.S.-Iran agreement had been signed by President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has told U.S. President Donald Trump that Israel does not consider itself bound by a Lebanon-related provision in an emerging agreement with Iran, according to Israeli officials.
Switzerland on Sunday rejected a referendum proposal to cap its population at 10 million, a projection showed, as voters prioritised economic stability and the country's ties with the European Union over immigration concerns.
Firefighters and workers were clearing debris on Monday after what Ukraine described as a deliberate Russian strike severely damaged a nearly 1,000-year-old cathedral in Kyiv, one of the country's most important religious and cultural landmarks.
One month after Ebola cases were confirmed in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, health officials and aid organisations say the true extent of the outbreak remains unclear because of major gaps in testing, reporting and disease surveillance.
The first day of the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Évian-les-Bains, France, was dominated by discussions on the Middle East, Ukraine and the global economy, as leaders grappled with multiple crises that have reshaped the international landscape.
Pakistan's political leadership on Monday welcomed a breakthrough agreement between the U.S. and Iran aimed at ending more than three months of conflict, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif describing it as a major diplomatic success and a victory for peace.
Hungary's parliament on Monday approved a constitutional amendment limiting prime ministers to a maximum of eight years in office, a move that effectively prevents former premier Viktor Orbán from returning to the country's top political post.
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