Bipartistan group of U.S. senators urge Trump administration to use frozen Russian assets to pressure Moscow

A bipartisan group of U.S. senators has urged the Trump administration to consider using Russia’s frozen Central Bank assets to increase pressure on Moscow, Reuters reports, citing a letter sent to Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

“How does the Administration view using all financial tools at its disposal to increase pressure on Russia to end the war?” the senators asked in the letter. “Specifically, does the Administration believe that U.S. and EU-held assets should be used as leverage in negotiations with Russia to bring an end to the war? If so, how?”

The letter also asks whether the White House plans to develop a strategy to encourage the E.U., G7, and other allies to make use of frozen Russian assets. Additionally, the senators inquire whether the administration would support using Russian assets to fund Ukraine’s arms purchases. They acknowledge that the U.S. does not intend to seize the assets itself but say they ”seek to understand the Administration’s position on this issue.”

The letter, dated March 21, was signed by four senators: Republicans Todd Young and Lindsey Graham, and Democrats Richard Blumenthal and Tim Kaine.