EU Blocks More Than €200 Billion in Russian Central Bank Assets

The European Union has immobilized more than €200 billion ($215 billion) in Russian central bank assets since Moscow invaded Ukraine, according to fresh numbers, underscoring the importance of ongoing discussions on how to use such funds to help rebuild the war-hit country.

EU nations reported the new numbers on the blocked assets following the 10th sanctions package, which forced banks to divulge information on the size of their holdings.

“The EU is committed to ensure that Russia pays for the damages caused in Ukraine,” European Commission spokesman Christian Wigand, who confirmed the numbers, said in an interview. ...