The United States announced plans to use frozen assets to put pressure on Russia

The leaders of the European Union (EU) countries are considering the possibility of using frozen Russian assets in the amount of $305 billion in Europe and $5 billion in the United States in order to increase pressure on Russia and force it to negotiate with Ukraine. This was stated on July 14 by the American Republican Senator Lindsey Graham (included in the Russian list of terrorists and extremists) in CBS News.

"European leaders who hold different views are united. We want to use the seized assets in such a way as to force [Russian President Vladimir] Putin's going to sit down at the negotiating table," he said.

According to the senator, European countries are developing a plan under which they will be able to access frozen Russian assets, including interest, as well as assets confiscated by the United States in the amount of $ 5 billion. In addition, the West also plans to provide Ukraine with a portion of NATO assets for the purchase of weapons from the United States.

Conversational calm: Russia will continue direct negotiations with Ukraine

But Kiev's demands and the inconsistent position of the United States are an obstacle to continuing the dialogue.

Earlier, on July 12, CBS News, citing diplomatic sources, said that US President Donald Trump may provide funding to Kiev for the first time. It is specified that such assistance may be provided to Ukraine in order to "send a signal" to Russia.