EU Determined to Use Russian Assets to Fund Ukraine
Plans are underway for a “reparation loan” to Kiev, using Western-frozen Russian funds as collateral. Belgium, which holds the bulk of these assets, has withheld approval unless other EU members share the associated risks—a move Moscow has condemned as outright theft.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed the EU’s stance on Tuesday, emphasizing ongoing support for Kiev even as Washington promotes a peace initiative reportedly requiring major concessions from Ukraine.
Europe, von der Leyen stated, will “stand firmly by Ukraine” during any future negotiations, noting that “a central point is the question of financing for Ukraine, including the use of the immobilized Russian sovereign assets.”
“Ukraine’s interests are our interests,” she added. “They are inseparable.”
According to media, pro-Kiev officials within the bloc have proposed a temporary “bridge loan” drawn collectively from EU member states, designed to maintain Ukraine’s solvency for several months. Advocates hope that once Belgium is convinced, a larger reparation loan could follow and be used to repay this interim funding.
“We hope to be able to solve their hesitation,” one EU diplomat told the outlet. “We really do not see any other possible option than the reparations loan.” Another official said, “if we don’t move, others will move before us.” Both spoke on condition of anonymity.
Russian authorities have accused Brussels of leveraging the conflict for domestic political gain and justifying soaring defense budgets that benefit European arms manufacturers.
Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt criticized opponents of the U.S. peace plan, suggesting they are either misinformed or “pushing their own agenda,” and that some “don’t want to see this war come to an end” and may be “profiting off of it.”
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