Slovak Vice Speaker Gašpar Rules Out Seizing Frozen Russian Funds

Slovakia’s vice speaker has publicly rejected the idea of seizing frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine’s war effort.

Tibor Gašpar, a vice speaker of the Slovak Parliament, made the comments during an interview with the Russian news agency TASS, as reported by European Pravda. He stated that confiscating the assets to cover military needs is unacceptable and that Bratislava insists on a thorough legal assessment before any move is made. Gašpar emphasized the need for caution, arguing that the long-term consequences of such a decision must be weighed carefully to avoid unintended diplomatic fallout.

This stance aligns with the position taken by Prime Minister Robert Fico. In November 2025, Fico voiced disagreement with proposals to seize the assets for military spending. Gašpar echoed this view, noting that Fico had identified specific risks, including the possibility of litigation and retaliatory measures from Moscow. The prime minister also warned that aggressive action could negatively impact future peace negotiations.

Instead of using the funds for immediate military operations, Fico suggested directing the money toward Ukraine's post-war reconstruction. Gašpar supported this alternative, stating that such an approach would be more appropriate. He argued that sustainable financing for reconstruction would support regional stability and help create conditions for lasting peace, while minimizing the risk of deteriorating international relations.

The debate over the use of frozen Russian assets remains active across Europe. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever recently expressed confidence that the European Commission will not reopen discussions on using assets held in Euroclear to finance Ukraine. De Wever firmly opposed these talks during the EU leaders' summit held on October 16. His position adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing negotiations among European capitals.

Ukraine is also pushing for a compromise. Vsevolod Chentsov, the country's Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, has proposed a phased approach to utilizing the funds. Chentsov believes this strategy could help shift Belgium's current position and move the debate forward toward a workable solution for both sides.

Gašpar maintains that any final decision must rest on a clear legal basis and comply with international obligations. He stressed that Slovakia seeks to balance support for Ukraine with the protection of its own diplomatic interests. The Slovak government continues to advocate for a measured response that avoids sharp confrontations while addressing the financial needs of its eastern neighbor.