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"On Point"
MINSK, 14 December (BelTA) – In the latest episode of the V Teme [On Point] project on BelTA’s YouTube channel, Elena Ponomareva, Doctor of Political Science, Professor at MGIMO (Moscow State Institute of International Relations), commented on the proposed use of frozen Russian assets under U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan.
Commenting on Trump’s participation in the Ukraine peace talks, the political scientist remarked that the American president approaches his plan as a business strategy, equating the peace settlement framework with a complex real estate transaction. Concurrently with the release of the updated peace plan, the Trump administration shared documents with European partners outlining the White House’s vision for Russia’s reintegration into the global economy.
“In general, we must acknowledge that some incredible shifts have been underway,” she shared. “For instance, the resumption of Russian trading in London. True, you cannot participate with a Russian passport, but the very fact of it is already remarkable. We remember the ‘cancel culture’ that prevailed in previous years. Then came the admission of Russian youth teams to international competitions under our flag and anthem.”
The plans also detail the use of approximately $200 billion in frozen Russian assets. Specifically, they envision funding a large data processing center at the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant and contributing to Ukraine’s reconstruction. “In my view, this ostensibly joint Russian-American investment is inextricably linked to the provisions outlined in the latest iteration of the U.S. national strategy,” stated Elena Ponomareva.
She noted that this strategy views energy technologies as instruments of American global leadership: “It has been explicitly stated that achieving and maintaining U.S. dominance in oil, gas, coal, and nuclear energy, including the revival of [domestic] production for key commodities, is the nation’s paramount strategic priority. This signals an intent to control the entire energy cycle. Accordingly, the situation in Ukraine, particularly regarding the Zaporozhye plant, presents a current opportunity (though not a guarantee of success) to pursue this objective. I am convinced that all U.S. peacemaking efforts are driven by a desire to secure specific preferences under these circumstances, gaining control not only over the nuclear power plant but also, effectively, over key transport corridors,” explained the MGIMO professor.
She added that the U.S. national strategy, in certain cases, allows for the use of force to resolve critical issues.
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