The French parliament passed a resolution aimed at seizing Russian assets frozen as part of a text in support of Ukraine.

The text is primarily symbolic and divides both the left and the right. On Wednesday, 12 March, MEPs adopted a resolution on increased support for Ukraine, including a call for the confiscation of frozen Russian assets, which the government opposes.

The resolution calls on the European Union (EU), NATO and "other allied countries" to "continue and increase their political, economic and military support for Ukraine."

It also contains a number of points for discussion, including the issue of Ukraine joining the EU, the presence of French soldiers on Ukrainian soil in the event of a peace agreement, and the import of Russian gas from EU countries, which the resolution calls for to be "suspended."

The government opposes the measure, citing an "economic precedent" that would be worrying for foreign investors, reports France 24.

On this issue, as well as on the question of building a European defence system or supporting Ukraine's accession to the European Union, the chamber was divided during the sometimes heated debate.

The text was adopted by 288 votes to 54, supported in particular by Macron's MEPs, the Socialists and the environmentalists, as well as by the right-wing parties Les Républicains and Horizons. Members of La France insoumise (LFI) and the Communists voted against. The National Rally (RN) abstained.

Consideration of this text comes at a time of geopolitical turmoil marked by the acceleration of peace talks, with Ukraine agreeing to the US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire with Russia.

The resolution is essentially symbolic, but MEPs hope that it will allow them to influence the government's line.

They also amended the text to call on the EU "to build an independent European defence". But the issue of Russian assets in particular has come to the fore at a time when there are growing calls in Europe for them to be confiscated.

The final text "urges the European Union and its Member States to proceed immediately with the seizure of frozen and immobilised Russian assets in order to finance military support for Ukraine in its resistance and its reconstruction".

Members of La France Insoumise and the RN opposed the idea, which they said violated international law. | BGNES