On May 4, Head of the Asset Recovery and Management Agency (ARMA) gave a talk on Hromadske Radio about the Agency's legislative initiative, which, if approved, will unblock the ability to manage seized assets owned by citizens of the russian federation.

Olena Duma said that as of today, the register of seized assets contains more than 244,000 records of seized property in all criminal proceedings. 68.5 thousand of these assets are managed by ARMA, and more than 1.1 thousand of them are 100% owned by the beneficiaries of the russian federation. However, according to Article 21(7) of the special ARMA Law, the agency must request the owner's consent in order to manage the asset.

"In 2023, ARMA initiated a draft law that would allow us to manage these assets. I appealed to the President of Ukraine and the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, so the draft law was recognised as urgent. Unfortunately, when it was considered by the Parliament, there were 8 votes missing for its adoption," said Olena Duma.

She stressed that it is cynical and absurd for Ukrainian state institutions to ask the russians how to manage seized assets located in Ukraine.

Therefore, on the initiative of ARMA, draft law No. 10069 has been submitted to the Parliament and is already on the agenda for May 8.

"I hope this time it will be voted for," said Head of ARMA, adding that the adoption of Draft Law No. 10069 in the Parliament will allow Ukraine to manage seized assets much more effectively, turning them into the benefit of the state and demonstrating Ukraine's strength and reliability as a partner in the international arena.