Calum Miller MP challenges Government inaction on seizing frozen Russian assets

Calum Miller MP, MP for Bicester and Woodstock and Lib Dem Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, has today presented a Bill to Parliament to enable the seizure of billions of pounds in frozen Russian assets and direct the proceeds to Ukraine’s defence, reconstruction and humanitarian relief.

A Government dossier unearthed by the Liberal Democrats has revealed that the UK’s import of goods from Russia soared this year, with the party castigating the Government’s failure to stop UK money flowing into Putin’s war chest. 

Total trade in goods and services between the UK and Russia stood at a staggering £1.7 billion to the end of June 2025. The UK imported £80million of Russian goods in that period – an increase of 21.2% on the previous financial year – and £364 million in services. 

There are estimated to be £30billion of Russian state assets frozen in the UK, with an estimated $300 billion globally. The Ukrainian defence minister has estimated that Ukraine needs $120 billion to resist Russia next year and requires $60 billion of assistance to fund this. 

Calum Miller, Foreign Affairs spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats, and MP for Bicester and Woodstock said:  

“Under this government’s watch, Britain has imported more Russian goods and paid tens of millions to buy Moscow’s planes. The British public will be appalled that the UK is continuing to fill Putin’s war chest.

“There are serious security concerns and questions about what imported Russian planes are doing in Britain, why so much more is now being spent on them, and whether this trade undermines the sanctions in place to strangle the Kremlin’s coffers. 

“Putin must be punished, not rewarded, for his barbaric assault on the brave people of Ukraine. The Liberal Democrats’ Bill would see billions in frozen Russian assets seized - to be used to support the defence of President Zelensky’s proud nation. It’s crucial the Government provides further time in the house for this bill to progress. I urge MPs from all parties to back this bill.”