UK-France tensions over plan to seize $350bn Russia assets for US arms

Tensions have surfaced between France and the UK over whether $350bn of frozen Russian assets can be seized and then offered to the US to buy defence equipment, binding America closer to the defence of Europe. The UK's willingness to seize the assets is longstanding, but its position has become more pronounced in recent weeks, with a high-level endorsement by the UK foreign secretary, David Lammy. The proposal has also had the support of the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. However, in common with the European Central Bank and Germany, Emmanuel Macron opposes the move over fears that it would breach…