Zelenskyy, Lagarde Talk Asset Strategy

In a significant phone discussion on October 10, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde deliberated on the utilization of frozen Russian assets to combat ongoing Russian military aggression and to facilitate the reconstruction of Ukraine. This conversation comes in the wake of a severe overnight Russian assault impacting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, prominently involving more than 450 drone attacks and numerous missile launches, including ballistic types.

During the call, President Zelenskyy briefed Lagarde on the immediate repercussions of the attacks, highlighting the extensive efforts by repair crews and power engineers working tirelessly across various regions to restore normalcy. The Ukrainian leader stressed the necessity of holding Russia accountable for its actions, which he described as attempts to prolong the war and devastate civilian life.

The focal point of their discussion was the strategic management of the frozen Russian assets, predominantly held in Europe, to shield Ukraine against further hostilities and aid in its recovery efforts. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude towards Lagarde for her support and emphasized the need for strong political will across Europe to enact measures ensuring the fair use of these assets. Both leaders agreed on the importance of collaborative efforts with other European nations to address this critical issue effectively.