Putin reveals topic of talks with US envoy on frozen assets

Russian President Vladimir Putin plans to discuss with US representatives the use of frozen Russian assets today. He stated this during a meeting with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas.

«A meeting and discussion on this topic are planned for today in Moscow,» the president said.

Russia is ready to provide $1 billion to the «Peace Council» to support Palestinian residents.

Only a portion of the frozen Russian assets are in the US — about $5 billion. For comparison, in the EU this amount is 210 billion euros ($247 billion), most of which is held in Euroclear in Brussels.

«We are ready to direct a billion dollars to the new structure »Peace Council« primarily and mainly to support the Palestinian people — to direct these funds for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, for solving Palestine»s problems,« noted the Russian president.

Putin informed Abbas that he had previously discussed with the US the direction of funds from frozen assets.

Putin discussed with the Palestinian leader the settlement in the Middle East. The Russian president emphasized that in resolving the conflict, the needs and wishes of the Palestinians must be taken into account, including for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.

Abbas noted the historical support of Palestine by Russia, including financial assistance. The head of the Palestinian state called Russia a great friend.

In Putin«s schedule for the evening, a meeting is scheduled with US President»s special representative Steven Whitcoff and entrepreneur Jared Kushner. It is expected that they will talk about a peace plan for Ukraine.

As Whitcoff stated, the negotiations on settling the conflict in Ukraine are in the final stage and have come down to resolving one key issue.