Merz's Stance on Confiscation of Russian Assets Fuels EU's New Sanctions Push

Germany's Merz Opens Door to Confiscating Russian Assets as EU Prepares New Sanctions Package On May 16, 2025, German Finance Minister Friedrich Merz indicated the potential for legally seizing Russian assets frozen due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This statement comes as the European Union prepares a new set of sanctions against Russia. The new sanctions package includes measures against Russia's 'shadow fleet,' a network of tankers allegedly used to circumvent existing sanctions on Russian oil exports. Merz's comments suggest a willingness to explore legal avenues for utilizing these frozen assets. While the video does not provide a direct quote from Merz, it highlights the potential ramifications of such a move. A commentator in the video states, "The sanctions aim to further pressure Russia and support Ukraine's reconstruction." The EU's new sanctions package also targets dozens of companies involved in evading existing sanctions or supporting Russia's defense industry. The video underscores the ongoing geopolitical tensions and the international community's efforts to hold Russia accountable for its actions in Ukraine. The potential use of frozen Russian assets for Ukraine's reconstruction represents a significant development in the conflict.