The EU convenes for an important summit on attracting Russian funds for Ukraine: what is known
18 December 16:01
A two-day summit of the European Council begins in Brussels on December 18. EU leaders will consider the issue of funding for the next two years, which is crucial for Ukraine.
EU diplomats plan to finalize the decision. This was reported by "Komersant Ukrainian" with reference to the European Council.
“Reparations loan”
The preliminary agreements of EU diplomats provide for the use of frozen Russian assets to provide Ukraine with a “reparations loan” in 2026-2027, but the final decision must be made by the summit.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that two main options will be discussed during the meeting: raising funds through the EU budget or providing a so-called “reparations loan” that involves the use of frozen Russian assets.
The President emphasized the importance of solidarity between the EU countries, particularly given Belgium’s position on the distribution of financial risks if a “reparations loan” is chosen.
“The issue of solidarity is one of the basic principles of the European Union,” she said.
Before the meeting, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized the criticality of the decision. He warned that a lack of agreement on funding could lead to an escalation of the war and even bloodshed.
“Now we have a simple choice: either money today or blood tomorrow. And I’m not just talking about Ukraine, I’m talking about Europe,” Tusk said.
He called on all European leaders to take responsibility and make the necessary decision.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that the EU should resolve the issue of using Russian frozen assets to support Ukraine. He emphasized that these funds would help finance the Ukrainian army and contribute to a speedy end to the war.
Zelenskyy speaks at the European Council and meets with the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed a meeting of the European Council and met with Prime Ministers of Spain Pedro Sanchez and Belgium Bart de Weever.
After the meetings, Zelenskyy spoke to journalists.
Answering a question from a Polish journalist, Zelenskyy said that he supported the position expressed by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk that the military threat to Europe would increase if support for Ukraine was reduced.
“If we do not support Ukraine, if we leave it alone…, Ukraine may not be able to withstand, and then Europe will pay not with money, but with blood,” the president emphasized.
The President warned that in case of negative developments, it would affect the supply of equipment to the frontline.
“If Ukraine does not receive the tranche in the spring, the production of drones in Ukraine will be reduced by several times,” he emphasized. According to the president, the approximate parity in drones between Ukraine and Russia will be lost.
“If there is peace, Ukraine will use this money to rebuild,” the president added.
