The U.S. found a way to transfer record $300 billion to Ukraine

Ukraine may receive $300 billion in frozen Russian assets. This is more than twice as much as the US has spent on Ukraine, including military aid. A legal basis for such payments can also be found. In this case, the principle of asset inviolability may not apply to a state that violates international law.

Bret Stephens wrote about this in his blog for The New York Times. As an argument for the transfer of Russian assets to Ukraine, he cites a study led by Harvard professor Larry Tribble. The report states that the US President has the right to transfer frozen Russian assets to Ukraine under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

According to him, the line has already been crossed. Putin has been recognized as a war criminal and Russia as an aggressor. In this case, simply unfreezing and returning Russia's assets would be a strange decision. The money should be spent on rebuilding Ukraine, but if it is transferred now, it could also accelerate Ukraine's victory.

"IEEPA explicitly states that the president may 'investigate,' 'block,' 'regulate,' 'direct and compel,' 'annul,' 'void,' and 'prevent or prohibit' the transfer of property," the study says.

There is a well-established doctrine of "countermeasures" in international law, meaning actions that might otherwise violate international law but are legal.

As OBOZREVATEL previously reported, Ukraine itself will not negotiate with Russia to continue gas transit. According to the Minister of Energy, there will be no need for this.

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