Slovak Vice Speaker Gašpar rejects plan to seize frozen Russian assets
Tibor Gašpar argues that using the funds for military spending risks legal disputes and retaliation, suggesting they be reserved for reconstruction instead.
By Alina Carter ·
Tibor Gašpar, a vice speaker of the Slovak Parliament, stated that taking frozen Russian assets to cover Ukraine's military costs is an unacceptable move. He made the comments during an interview with the Russian news agency TASS. His remarks align with the position of Prime Minister Robert Fico, who opposed a similar proposal in November 2025.
Gašpar emphasized that Slovakia requires a thorough legal assessment before any action is taken on the funds. He called for caution, arguing that the long-term consequences of such a decision must be weighed carefully. The Slovak government seeks a clear legal basis for any move and wants to ensure compliance with international obligations.
The vice speaker highlighted specific risks identified by Fico. These include the potential for new litigation, the danger of retaliatory measures from Moscow, and the impact such a step could have on future peace negotiations. Gašpar noted that Bratislava aims to minimize the risk of further deterioration in international relations while pursuing a solution.
Rather than directing the money toward continued military operations, Fico suggested using the assets for Ukraine's post-war reconstruction. Gašpar supported this alternative, arguing that sustainable financing for reconstruction would better support regional stability. He believed this approach would help create the conditions necessary for a lasting peace.
The debate over the use of frozen assets continues across Europe. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever recently expressed confidence that the European Commission will not reopen discussions on using funds held in Euroclear to finance Ukraine. At the EU leaders' summit on October 16, De Wever firmly opposed talks on utilizing the frozen assets of Russia's Central Bank.
Vsevolod Chentsov, Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, has proposed a phased approach to using the Russian funds. He believes this strategy could help shift Belgium's position on the issue.
