Russia’s Assets In the West Must Be Seized and Sent To Ukraine

Ukraine’s economy has suffered immensely from Russia’s war of aggression. 17% of its territory remains occupied by Russian troops, and Ukraine’s gross domestic product has shrunk by 29%. This damage now exceeds $486 billion, according to the World Bank. The collective West has long maintained that Russia must not only be held responsible – but must also be made to pay for the damage it has caused. This must be done in a timely manner – and in full. On November 14, 2022, the UN General Assembly passed a strong resolution holding Russia accountable, and forcing it to pay war reparations to Ukraine. It stated that Russia must “bear the legal consequences of all its internationally wrongful acts, including the payment of compensation for the injury, including all damage, caused by such acts.” This resolution recognized that an international institution should be created to implement this compensation to be set up in cooperation with Ukraine. The G-7 taking the lead The G-7 has taken the lead in Western policymaking on financial support for Ukraine. “It is not right for Russia to decide if or when it will pay for the damage it has caused in Ukraine. … Russia’s obligations under...