EU Economic Leaders Convene to Debate Accessing €140 Billion in Immobilized Russian Assets for Kyiv Funding
European Union finance ministers are gathering in the EU capital this Thursday to address the union's financial agenda, featuring the pressing question of funding for Ukraine.
Ukraine's President States Nation's Survival Relies on Allies
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated in a latest interview that the country's survival depended on obtaining additional financial aid from international partners.
“We trust, God bless, we will get the necessary funding,” he told reporters. Otherwise, “It will be necessary to seek another solution, it’s a question of our survival. That’s why it is essential urgently. And I count on partners.”
EU Commission Advocates €140 Billion Reparations Loan
The European Commission still hopes to convince member states – including Belgium, which continues to bloc the plan due to legal fears – to move ahead on a €140 billion financial compensation using Moscow's immobilized funds.
EU chief Ursula von der Leyen insisted today that this represents “the most effective way to support Kyiv's military and national finances.”
Resolution Postponed Till December Meeting
A final decision on the matter has been postponed till the EU leaders’s summit in December, with the funding needed at the start of the coming year.
Talks Occur Amid Bribery Allegations in Ukraine
But these discussions come at a difficult time for Kyiv, as Zelenskyy had to move to contain growing public outrage in Ukraine over a bribery incident in the power industry, dismissing two ministers who are accused of participating in a large-scale bribery scheme.
Danish finance leader Stephanie Lose was asked about her response to the scandal, and affirmed that there was commitment to keep aiding Ukraine.
“Of course, Ukraine will have to persistently focus with improvements, strengthening all parts of their society [and] including fighting graft … but there shouldn’t be any doubt that Europe stands firmly behind Kyiv,” she stated.
Additional EU Events Under Watch
In other news, observers will be monitoring the Netherlands where the legislature meets to examine possible directions in the government formation process, the Italy-Albania consultations in the Italian capital giving us the latest chance to witness the brilliant Meloni-Rama dynamics, and a number of top-tier conferences throughout the continent, including Nato’s Mark Rutte’s trip to a German airbase.
Much to report on.
It’s Thursday, November 13, 2025, and we bring you Europe Live.
Welcome.
