Sweden, the Netherlands, Poland and Spain want to revive discussions within the European Union over the possible use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, according to a draft letter seen by the Kyiv Independent.

The letter is dated 27 August and, according to three EU diplomats, was expected to be sent that day. The signatories are asking foreign ministers to hold an initial discussion on the issue at an informal meeting in Ireland on 1–2 September.

The countries are calling on the European Commission, together with member states, to explore new ways of using the frozen assets for Ukraine’s benefit. They stress the need to consider financial and economic risks as well as compliance with international law. Any risks, they argue, should be shared among all EU member states so that no single country bears a disproportionate burden.

More than €200bn ($233bn) in Russian financial assets have been frozen across Europe since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. A previous attempt to take control of the assets in 2025 failed amid Belgian concerns over insufficient risk-sharing and the potential legal risks involved.

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