Over the last 3 and a half years a constant conversation has gone around in circles about what could be done with the frozen Russian financial assets secured from banking sanctions after February 2022's full-scale invasion.
Numerous complex and protracted discussions have deliberated on what was legally permitted with such frozen assets. What became clear over the last few days is that because Russia has clearly not complied with international law, the way is open to utilise these assets for the protection of Ukraine and European citizens. What still makes us want to scratch our grey matter is why this elementary analysis took so long.
Although the European union can be ponderous with decision making, on many fronts, it appears that when critical action is needed and Europe faces an existential threat or crisis the rubicon is traversed, laws can be changed. Put another way, when Europe is truly going to foot the bill, it sees the wisdom in trying to contain the cost and limit the tab.
A key moment came when Ursula Von Der Leyen, announced the "legally creative" idea of using interest accrued from seized assets to finance a reparations loan to Kyiv. The €200 billion seized assets used this way could provide the €8 Billion of interest, which is give or take a significant amount to bridge the shortfall gap left by USA's decision to withdraw their funding. Europe has stepped up in many ways.
Of course none of this is truly about finance, or even ultimately weapons, it is about the protraction of war which would conclude with more irreversible vulnerability for Europe if appropriate steps are not taken against the aggressor. Europe has finally fully awoken to the full gravity of the nightmare. The (American) joint supreme allied commander Europe General Alexus G. Grynkewich gave a characteristically confidence building insight into what Nato had learned from Russian drones peppering Poland. It seems that there is a new phase of awareness, decisiveness and impetus to fight to the end, defend the Eastern flank, with "Eastern Century" combining a defensive alliance cooperation of 32 allies. "What Affects One Alley affects Us All! Nato will continue to defend every inch of its territory."
The great regret in all of this is that much of this funding may have been available earlier. Now we are being decisive. Would we still be fighting a war of attrition in the same way, lost so many, had fighters and funds been more readily available? In some of these meetings, presentations, and news narratives it sounds like the USA has paid the bill, that Europe is now trying to pick up the extra bill. In reality however the main price has been undeniably paid by Ukraine for the safety of all those who hide behind its heroic courage. It is Ukrainian families that have been decimated, Ukrainian churches, schools, and hospitals, which have been living amidst the sorrow, grief and reality of death for 1000 days.
Keep praying that wise decisions will protect the citizens of Ukraine and Europe. One of the clear expectations or mandates we have from the bible for who we vote for, who we have ruling over us, is that they keep people safe. Whatever our politics and opinion this is something that is non negotiable.
“Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.”
Psalm 82:3
“Seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.”
Isaiah 1:17
“The authorities that exist are established by God to execute justice and maintain order.”
1 Timothy 2:2
“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4
(We often apply this to church context,
but is it not a principle of character that goes beyond the church ?)
“To all who are in authority, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people.”
1 Timothy 2:1
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