UK-France tensions over plan to seize $350bn Russia assets for US arms | The Guardian |

Macron fears approach would breach principle of immunity of sovereign assets and undermine efforts to strengthen European defence

Tensions have surfaced between France and the UK over whether $350bn of frozen Russian assets can be seized and then offered to the US to buy defence equipment, binding America closer to the defence of Europe.

The UK's willingness to seize the assets is longstanding, but its position has become more pronounced in recent weeks, with a high-level endorsement by the UK foreign secretary, David Lammy. The proposal has also had the support of the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

However, in common with the European Central Bank and Germany, Emmanuel Macron opposes the move over fears that it would breach the principle of the immunity of sovereign assets and thereby have a deterrent effect on investment in the eurozone area by countries like Saudi Arabia and China.

Does Europe hold any cards in Ukraine talks? | France24 |

'Sapere aude'