Robert Zoellick: Handling Russia’s Frozen Assets in the EU

October 16, 2025

Russian assets abroad were frozen almost as soon as the country launched its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The idea of seizing those assets and transferring them to Ukraine has been discussed in Western capitals for more than three years, but no significant action has been taken because the assets are protected by sovereign immunity and the West is officially not at war with Russia. Now, with a new administration in the United States and the war of attrition in Ukraine dragging on, European leaders find themselves between a rock—the need to show unwavering support for Ukraine—and a hard place: growing public discontent at having to fund this war from European pockets, when there are billions of euros in Russian money sitting in Western bank accounts.

What would the procedure be for embarking on such a complex legal matter? What would setting such a precedent mean for the EU, the euro, and the dollar, and for the countries looking to deposit their reserves in the EU? And does Europe have a plan B if internal divisions can’t be overcome?

Robert Zoellick’s expertise in global economics, diplomacy, and international security makes him a compelling keynote speaker for today’s most pressing geopolitical challenges. As a former World Bank president and U.S. trade representative, he offers unmatched insights into economic leverage, international negotiations, and strategic policymaking. His ability to break down complex global conflicts—like the war in Ukraine—and propose actionable solutions ensures his keynotes are both thought-provoking and highly relevant. Zoellick’s speaking engagements are managed exclusively by WWSG. To host him as your next keynote speaker, contact us.