Political pressure is mounting on Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro following revelations about his family's business dealings. Simultaneously, calls are growing for the seizure of frozen Russian assets to bolster Ukraine's defense against ongoing Russian aggression.
Portugal PM Under Fire
Luís Montenegro has convened an extraordinary council of ministers for this Saturday after it was revealed that his family's company receives €4,500 a month from a casino operator. The revelation has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the influence of family business interests in government affairs. This has prompted scrutiny and demands for greater transparency. The Portuguese public is watching closely to see how Montenegro addresses these concerns.
The extraordinary council of ministers is expected to address the allegations and outline measures to ensure ethical conduct within the government. The situation underscores the importance of maintaining public trust and avoiding even the appearance of impropriety.
Ukraine Appeals for Frozen Assets
Amid the ongoing conflict, calls are intensifying to utilize the hundreds of billions in Russian government wealth frozen in the international banking system to support Ukraine's defense. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy has urged Europe to act swiftly, advocating for a shift "from freezing assets to seizing assets."
“Europe has to act quickly, and I believe we should move from freezing assets to seizing assets. It’s not an issue on which any government can act alone. We must act with European allies,” said Lammy on Tuesday. His sentiment echoes the growing frustration over the continued inability to fully leverage these assets for Ukraine's benefit.
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala also supports this measure, suggesting that the funds be used to finance military supplies for Ukraine. Despite widespread support, European leaders have yet to reach a consensus on how to seize the money without facing legal challenges or setting a problematic international precedent.
Czech Initiative and Ongoing Conflict
The "Czech ammunition initiative" has provided Ukraine with crucial supplies. In 2024, Ukraine received 500,000 artillery shells purchased outside Europe through this initiative. Eighteen countries, including Canada, Germany, and Portugal, contributed approximately $1.8 billion to acquire 155mm shells. However, the need remains urgent as Russian attacks continue to inflict damage and casualties.
Recent Russian military actions include a drone attack in Kyiv oblast, injuring a 19-year-old woman and setting a house on fire, as well as an attack on Kramatorsk that killed one person and injured at least 14. The estimated cost of reconstruction and recovery in Ukraine over the next decade is a staggering $524 billion, according to a report by the Government of Ukraine, the World Bank Group, the European Commission, and the United Nations.
The intertwined challenges of political accountability in Portugal and the urgent need for resources in Ukraine highlight the complex geopolitical landscape. As Montenegro navigates the scrutiny surrounding his family business, the international community continues to grapple with the ethical and legal implications of seizing frozen assets to support Ukraine's defense.