Frozen Russian assets must be directed for the reconstruction of Ukraine - Latvian finance minister

  • 2023-05-02
  • LETA/TBT Staff

RIGA - The European Union (EU) must reach a common solution to direct the frozen Russian assets to the reconstruction of Ukraine, Latvia's Minister of Finance Arvils Aseradens (New Unity) emphasized at the meeting of the EU Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) on Saturday.

"Russia must pay for the war it caused and its tragic consequences in Ukraine," Aseradens said.

At the ECOFIN meeting, the ministers, together with the Minister of Finance of Ukraine Serhiy Marchenko and the Minister of Finance of Canada, Chrystia Freeland, discussed how to coordinate and organize financial support for Ukraine in the long term, Agita Pudule, senior communication specialist of the Ministry of Finance's Communication Department, informed LETA

The purpose of the meeting was to broaden the perspective on the reconstruction of Ukraine, taking into account Ukraine's path to closer integration into the EU economy and the internal market.

Reminding that Latvia's financial, military and humanitarian support to Ukraine is currently already 1.3 percent of the country's gross domestic product, Aseradens assured that both the Latvian government, business sector and civil society will provide practical support to Ukraine as long as it is needed until for the victory of Ukraine.

He pointed out that all possible donors, countries and international organizations should be involved in the support and reconstruction of Ukraine in a timely and inclusive manner in order to provide the necessary support as quickly and purposefully as possible through effective cooperation.

Aseradens believes that immediate support for reconstruction will contribute to the gradual recovery and renewal of the Ukrainian economy. Even with small steps, and especially in the regions where the Ukrainian population has returned, all incentives and support are very important to promote economic recovery, the minister said.

He also emphasized that the private sector has and will play an important role in the reconstruction of Ukraine.