John Cornyn Seeks to Use Seized Russian Assets for Ukraine Defense

U.S. Senator John Cornyn and a bipartisan group of senators introduced the Seized Assets for Battlefield Equipment and Readiness (SABER) Act, legislation designed to expand how frozen Russian sovereign assets can be used to support Ukraine.

How would the legislation work?

The bill would amend current law to allow Ukraine to use confiscated assets from the Central Bank of the Russian Federation and other Russian sovereign holdings to purchase military equipment and defense services as it continues to fight against Russia's invasion.

The proposal builds on the Rebuilding Economic Prosperity and Opportunity for Ukrainians (REPO) Act, which already allows frozen Russian assets under U.S. jurisdiction to be confiscated and transferred for Ukrainian reconstruction, recovery efforts, and humanitarian assistance.

The SABER Act would add a new authorized use for those funds by permitting Ukraine to use seized Russian assets to purchase defense articles and military services necessary to defend itself against Russian aggression.

Supporters argue the legislation would help strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities while ensuring that Russia bears the financial burden.

What is Cornyn saying?

Senator John Cornyn: "The REPO Act laid important groundwork for seizing the repurposing of billions of dollars in frozen Russian assets to help the Ukrainian people defend their own sovereignty after Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine."

Senator Cornyn continued: "By extending the law's permissible use of the funds to replenish Ukraine's arsenal, this legislation would go one step further in helping our ally defend against Russian aggression and force Putin to foot the bill for arming Ukraine."

Why does it matter?

The legislation comes as Ukraine continues to face ongoing military attacks from Russia more than four years after the full-scale invasion began. Supporters contend that using frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine's defense serves as both a form of accountability for Moscow and a way to provide additional assistance without requiring new taxpayer-funded aid packages.