Russia

Irish government ‘open’ to using seized Russian assets to rebuild Ukraine

The government will reserve its final position on an EU proposal until after work has been done by European Commission on legal framework

Irina Zubchenko and her dog Max walk amid the destruction caused after shelling of a shopping center in Kyiv, Ukraine. Russia’s invasion has shut down half of the country's businesses, choked off imports and exports and damaged a vast amount of critical infrastructure. Picture: AP

The Irish government is open to the idea of using seized Russian assets to cover the costs of reconstruction in Ukraine, the Department of Finance has said.

However, the government will reserve its final position on whether to do so until after work has been done by the European Commission on how such a process would be carried out within a solid legal framework.

It comes as a debate is under way within the EU ...