French MPs Approve Confiscation of Russian Assets

The National Assembly of France has passed a resolution calling for the confiscation of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. The vote saw 288 deputies in favour and 54 against. The resolution, though largely symbolic, sends a strong message of solidarity and could lead to concrete measures at the European Union level.

French lawmakers backed the resolution as part of broader efforts to strengthen support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. The document specifically addresses the issue of frozen Russian assets, which amount to an estimated €230 billion. The resolution urges the EU to confiscate these funds and allocate them to assist Ukraine. It also calls for tightening sanctions on Russia and reducing Europe’s reliance on Russian energy.

The vote revealed clear divisions in the French parliament. Socialists, environmentalists, right-wing Republicans, and members of the former presidential majority supported the resolution. Marine Le Pen’s National Rally abstained, citing concerns about the clause encouraging Ukraine’s EU accession. The far-left France Unbowed and the Communist Party opposed the measure.

The Chairman of Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada, Ruslan Stefanchuk, welcomed the decision, calling it an important signal of political solidarity and a step towards greater European security. He highlighted that the resolution lays the groundwork for further discussions on the confiscation of Russian assets and the possibility of formally designating Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism.

French lawmakers have taken a strong stance in favour of Ukraine, reinforcing their commitment to European defence. The resolution promotes a defence policy independent of the United States, a concept that has gained traction in European political circles. While the vote does not immediately change EU policy, it increases pressure on Brussels to take decisive action.

The adoption of this resolution is part of a broader trend among Western nations seeking to escalate financial and economic pressure on Russia. The EU is already considering mechanisms to use frozen Russian funds for Ukraine’s reconstruction. The outcome of this debate could shape future European policies towards Russia, determining how far the bloc is willing to go in punishing Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine.