EU Finance Leaders Gather to Discuss Accessing €140 Billion in Immobilized Russian Assets for Kyiv Support
European Union finance ministers are meeting in Brussels this morning to address the union's economic priorities, featuring the increasingly urgent question of funding for the Ukrainian government.
Ukraine's President States Country's Survival Depends on Allies
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared in a recent interview that Ukraine's existence depended on receiving additional financial aid from allies.
“We trust, with luck, they will approve this decision,” he told media outlets. Otherwise, “We will have to find another solution, it concerns our surviving. For this reason it is essential very much. And I count on partners.”
European Authorities Advocates €140 Billion Reparations Loan
The European Commission still hopes to persuade participating countries – including Belgium, which is currently blocking the plan due to legal fears – to move ahead on a €140 billion reparations loan using frozen Russian assets.
Commission president Ursula von der Leyen emphasized this morning that this represents “the optimal method to sustain Kyiv's military and national finances.”
Resolution Postponed Until Year-End Summit
A final decision on the issue has been deferred till the EU leaders’s summit in December, with the funding required at the start of the coming year.
Discussions Occur Amid Bribery Allegations in Kyiv
But the talks are happening during a tricky time for Kyiv, as Zelenskyy was forced to address rising popular anger in the country over a bribery incident in the power industry, dismissing several officials who are accused of involvement in a large-scale bribery scheme.
Danish economic affairs minister Stephanie Lose was questioned on her reaction to the scandal, and insisted that there was determination to continue supporting Ukraine.
“Naturally, The country will have to continuously work with improvements, strengthening every sector of the nation [and] including fighting graft … but there shouldn’t be any doubt that Europe stands firmly behind Ukraine,” she stated.
Additional European Developments Monitored
Separately, observers will be monitoring the Netherlands where the legislature meets to examine potential ways ahead in the coalition talks, the Italy-Albania consultations in Rome offering the latest chance to enjoy the remarkable Meloni-Rama dynamics, and a series of high-level conferences throughout the continent, including the Alliance's the secretary general's trip to a German airbase.
Much to report on.
Today is Thursday, November 13, 2025, and we bring you Europe Live.
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