At the Munich Security Conference, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco and Estonian Secretary General Tõnis Saar unveiled a groundbreaking initiative, announcing the allocation of nearly $500,000 in forfeited Russian funds by the United States to aid Ukraine. These funds, seized following the dismantling of an illegal procurement network attempting to smuggle sophisticated military-grade machinery into Russia, mark the first direct transfer from the U.S. to a foreign ally for the explicit purpose of supporting Ukraine. The scheme, involving the attempted import of a high-precision U.S.-origin machine tool destined for Russia's defense and nuclear sectors, was foiled, leading to the guilty plea of a Latvian defendant for violating U.S. export laws.
Under the agreement, Estonia will utilize the funds to expedite damage assessments and crucial repairs to Ukraine's electrical distribution and transmission system, which has been deliberately targeted by Russian forces. This collaborative effort underscores the unwavering commitment of both the United States and Estonia to curtail President Putin's access to Western technologies fueling his illegal war against Ukraine. Additionally, it showcases a novel approach to combatting Russian aggression, wherein confiscated criminal proceeds are redirected to aid the Ukrainian people. The transfer agreement not only reinforces bilateral partnerships but also strengthens the resolve to enforce export control regimes and utilize seized assets to bolster Ukraine's resilience in the face of ongoing Russian hostility.
SOURCE: JUSTICE GOV | FEBRUARY 20 2022
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