Western senior officials are considering allowing sanctions against Russian oligarchs to be lifted, on the condition that the latter use their money to rebuild Ukraine, the Associated Press reports.
The issue was raised by Canada's deputy prime minister and finance minister at a meeting of G-7 finance ministers in Germany last week.
Chrystia Freeland raised the issue after the Russian oligarchs spoke to her about it, an official told the Associated Press. The Canadian minister has known Russian oligarchs since her days as a journalist in Moscow.
According to the official, the Ukrainian side is aware of the discussions. He noted that such a deal would be in the West's interest since it would mean removing Russian oligarchs from Vladimir Putin, while providing money for Ukraine.
"We would not be talking if there was no agreement from the Ukrainian side," the official said. "We need to know that it works for them as well."
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to make statements about the G-7 discussions.
The proposal was put in the context of providing additional money to Ukraine and how "frozen" funds and assets of oligarchs could become a source of funds.
[/P][BR][BR]At the moment, it's just an idea, the official said, but the Western interest is there.
Former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, who was sanctioned for his ties to Putin, said the net proceeds from the sale of Chelsea would be given to victims of the war in Ukraine.
The deal to sell the football club has been delayed as the British government ensures that Abramovich does not benefit from the forced sale.
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