**Dutch Court Frees Gazprom’s Assets from Ukrainian Seizure Orders**
A Dutch court has made a significant ruling, overturning seizure orders on Russian energy giant Gazprom’s local assets. This decision comes after lawsuits filed by two Ukrainian companies, Reuters reported on July 22.
**Ukraine Pursues Justice through International Courts**
This move is part of Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to hold Russia accountable for its actions in the country. Through international courts, Ukrainian companies have been seeking compensation for damages caused by Russian aggression. Some of these cases have already been successful, with Ukraine’s state energy company Naftogaz previously winning a case against Gazprom.
**State Immunity Principle at Play**
The recent Dutch court ruling suggests that seizing Gazprom’s assets could violate the principle of state immunity. This means that a foreign state cannot be taken to court in another country without its consent. The seized assets include shares in local gas producers Wintershall Noordzee and Gazprom International Projects B.V.
**Attempted Sale by Gazprom**
In March 2024, Gazprom had attempted to sell these assets, with an initial price set at 344 million euros ($370 million) for a 50% stake in European company Wintershall Noordzee and 100% of subsidiary Gazprom International UK Limited. However, this sale was not successful.
**Frozen Russian Assets Fund Ukraine’s Reconstruction**
Separately, the Group of Seven countries had immobilized roughly $300 billion in Russian sovereign assets at the onset of the full-scale war in 2022. The windfall profits from these frozen assets have been used to fund Ukraine’s reconstruction and defense efforts. As of this year, Ukraine has received more than $18.5 billion from these frozen Russian assets, with plans to direct the funds toward rapid recovery projects.
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