Following a December 2025 European Council meeting that saw heavy debate around repurposing $300 billion in frozen Russian assets for Ukraine’s defence and reconstruction, western leaders have still not chosen to unlock their full value either financially or strategically. However, the decision to indefinitely freeze Russia’s state assets represents an important interim breakthrough-paving the way for more substantial action. This panel examines the next necessary steps to using the full value of the frozen assets from the perspectives of international security and law-and holding Russia accountable.

SPEAKERS:

• H.E. Marika Linntam, Ambassador of Estonia to Germany
• Jamison Firestone, Co-Founder, Global Magnitsky Justice Campaign
• Dr. Olena Halushka, Co-Founder, International Center for Ukrainian Victory (ICUV)
• Yuliya Ziskina, Senior Legal Fellow, Razom for Ukraine 
• Patrick Heinemann, Partner, Bender Harrer Krevet 

Moderation:  Aaron Gasch Burnett, Senior Security Policy Fellow, ERIC

Panel language: English