European Union Economic Leaders Gather to Discuss Accessing €140 Billion in Immobilized Moscow's Assets for Ukraine Funding
EU finance ministers are meeting in Brussels this Thursday to tackle the bloc's financial agenda, featuring the pressing question of financial support to Ukraine.
Zelenskyy Warns Nation's Existence Relies on Partners
Kyiv's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated in a latest interview that Ukraine's existence depended on receiving additional financial aid from international partners.
“I hope, God bless, we will get the necessary funding,” he stated to reporters. If not, “It will be necessary to seek an alternative, it’s a question of our survival. For this reason it is essential urgently. We rely on our allies.”
European Authorities Pushes for €140 Billion Compensation Funding
The European Commission still hopes to persuade participating countries – and Belgium, that is currently blocking the proposal due to legal fears – to move ahead on a €140bn reparations loan based on Moscow's immobilized funds.
EU chief Ursula von der Leyen insisted today that this represents “the optimal method to support Ukraine’s defence and national finances.”
Resolution Delayed Until Year-End Summit
A final decision on the matter has been postponed until the EU leaders’s summit in December, as the financial support required early next year.
Discussions Coincide with Corruption Scandal in Kyiv
But these discussions are happening during a tricky moment for Ukraine, as the president was forced to contain rising popular anger in the country regarding a bribery incident in the power industry, firing two ministers allegedly involved in participating in a extensive corruption network.
Danish finance leader Stephanie Lose was questioned on her reaction to the scandal, and affirmed that there was determination to continue supporting Ukraine.
“Of course, Ukraine will have to persistently focus with improvements, strengthening all parts of the nation [and] that also applies to fighting graft … but there shouldn’t be any doubt that Europe stands firmly behind Kyiv,” she said.
Additional European Developments Under Watch
In other news, observers will be keeping an eye on the Netherlands where the parliament meets to discuss possible directions in the government formation process, Rome-Tirana discussions in Rome giving us the latest chance to witness the brilliant leadership interplay, and a number of high-level meetings throughout the continent, including Nato’s Mark Rutte’s trip to a military installation in Germany.
Much to cover.
It’s November 13, 13 November 2025, and this is Europe Live.
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