Fiduciary responsibility. Bankers could become personally liable. Their investors would be quick to sue.

Looks like there are accounts that can earn 3.5%. It’s an hour or two of work. Average occupancy rate is close to three years. A $2000 deposit would cover an inspection after a year.

Fallback could be on the renter if there is reason to withhold and on the owner if there is no need to withhold.

The escrow company gets to invest the deposit. They can use a portion of those funds to determine who receives the payout.

Sounds like Ukraine would be within their right to do whatever it takes to prevent such an action regardless of how many toddlers are being used as a human shield.