Russian assets in 'urgent' spotlight as Yellen heads to G20 meeting
By Andrea Shalal
WASHINGTON (Reuters) — U.S. officials continue to discuss with allies what to do with Russian assets immobilized after Moscow's invasion of Ukraine two years ago, a senior U.S. official said, as Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen heads to Brazil on Sunday to meet Group of 20 counterparts, some of whom continue to trade with Russia.
A senior U.S. administration official said Yellen had been clear that it was «both appropriate but also urgent for us to consider ways that Russian assets can be used to benefit Ukraine consistent with international and domestic law.»
U.S. President Joe Biden remains locked at loggerheads over efforts to approve some $61 billion in further aid to Ukraine with the leader of the Republican-led U.S. House of Representatives.
The U.S. official gave no details how Russian assets could be used and said he did not expect any specific outcome on the Russia asset issue from next week's Group of Seven (G7) advanced economies in Sao Paolo, Brazil, but stressed that the issue remained top of mind for Treasury.
Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo told Reuters in a separate interview on Thursday that Washington plans to hit over 500 targets with fresh sanctions on Friday, and will be joined by allies, marking the second anniversary of Russia's invasion.
Russian assets frozen by countries after Moscow's invasion of Ukraine will be a key topic for G7 officials meeting during the G20 gathering, the Treasury official said, as some European countries fret that seizing those assets could set dangerous precedents.
In Brazil, Yellen will hold a news conference on Tuesday and participate in a public event with Brazilian Finance Minister Fernando Haddad, as well as a bilateral meeting with her
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