Germany's frozen Russian assets shrink for a second straight year
The value of frozen Russian assets in Germany has dropped for the second year in a row. In 2025, the total fell to around €2.9 billion, down from nearly €3.3 billion in 2024. This decline follows a peak of close to €4.4 billion in 2023, marking a steady reduction in seized funds linked to the Ukraine war.
Before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the total value of frozen Russian assets in Germany stood at just under €342,000. The figure surged dramatically after the war began, as EU sanctions tightened. These measures built on an existing legal framework first introduced in 2014, following Russia's annexation of Crimea. The regulation has since been updated multiple times, most recently in December 2025.
The recent drop in frozen assets has been attributed to two main factors: market fluctuations and successful legal challenges by sanctioned individuals. Some have won court cases to have their names removed from sanctions lists. Marcel Emmerich, the Green Party's interior policy spokesperson, described the decline as a 'warning sign'. He called on the government to enforce sanctions more rigorously and take stronger action against evasion.
In response, the Finance Ministry is now reviewing the effectiveness of the current sanctions enforcement law. Officials are examining potential amendments to close loopholes and improve compliance.
The total value of frozen private assets in Germany has now fallen by over €1.5 billion since 2023. The government continues to monitor the situation, with ongoing discussions about tightening enforcement. Any changes to the law will aim to prevent further reductions in seized funds linked to the conflict.
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