Multilateral Action Model on Reparations
Almost three years into Russia's illegal full scale invasion of Ukraine, approximately $300 billion in frozen Russian assets remain immobilized around the world, and no definitive public accounting of them exists. A culture of secrecy has developed around matters related to Russian state assets, complicating efforts to secure meaningful reparations for victims of the invasion. This project seeks to dispel that secrecy and improve the prospects of obtaining effective reparations for Russia's victims. Through rigorous legal analysis, the project has developed the Multilateral Asset Transfer model, which illuminates the legal power that nation states can exercise through their own domestic law to not only freeze but transfer Russian state assets to a global fund for Ukraine's reconstruction, using the international law of state countermeasures.
Dispelling the Culture of Secrecy
Despite the scale of frozen Russian assets, no comprehensive public accounting exists, and governments have been reluctant to disclose detailed information about what they hold and where. This lack of transparency hampers efforts to develop coherent reparations strategies and allows political disagreements to stall progress. The project works to improve public understanding of the scope and location of frozen assets, creating the informational foundation necessary for effective policy action and accountability.
A Pathway to Reconstruction
The Multilateral Asset Transfer model can be adapted to the specific legal context of each nation adopting it, enabling a unified yet flexible approach to enforcing accountability. By creating a global fund to serve as a reservoir for transferred assets, the model allows reconstruction efforts to begin while preserving Russian incentives to strategically reengage with the international order. The project offers policymakers a concrete, implementable pathway to translate immobilized assets into meaningful support for those harmed by Russia’s aggression.
