EU proposes using Russian assets, loans to fund $105bn package to Ukraine

European Union Proposes Unprecedented Use of Frozen Russian Assets to Fund Ukraine's War Effort

In a move aimed at bolstering Ukraine's war effort against Russia, the European Commission has proposed an innovative solution: using frozen Russian assets or borrowing on international markets to raise €90 billion ($105 billion). The plan is part of a comprehensive package designed to support Ukraine's sovereignty and stability in 2026 and 2027.

The Commission's proposal offers two distinct options. Firstly, it suggests that the European Union provides a loan to Kyiv sourced from the private market. Secondly, it proposes a "reparations loan" funded using Russian state assets frozen by the EU following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. This approach is designed to increase pressure on Russia to engage in peace negotiations.

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen argued that the plan will enable Ukraine to defend itself and take forward peace negotiations from a position of strength. The proposal, she claimed, reflects the EU's commitment to supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and security, as well as its own strategic interests in Europe.

However, not all member states have expressed enthusiasm for the plan. Belgium, in particular, has raised concerns that using frozen Russian assets could imperil peace efforts in the short term and expose the bloc to future legal action by Russia. The Belgian government has demanded that EU countries commit to covering all legal costs arising from any future Russian lawsuits challenging the scheme.

Despite these reservations, von der Leyen said that her team had taken into account most of Belgium's concerns. However, the Commission is still short of a firm commitment from member states on the frozen assets plan, which would require 15 out of 27 votes in favor.

In addition to this proposal, the European Union has also agreed to phase out Russian gas imports by late 2027, marking a significant step towards ending its decades-long dependence on Russian energy. The move aims to bolster Ukraine's energy security and reduce Europe's reliance on an unreliable supplier.

The Commission's plan is set to be presented for approval at an EU leaders summit on December 18. If successful, it could pave the way for increased cooperation between the EU and Ukraine in addressing Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Umm this whole thing just smells like a trap you know how they're trying to use Russian assets to fund Ukraine? I think it's all about setting up another war what if this is just a way for the EU to gain more control over Russia and Ukraine? And what about the 90 billion euros loan? That's like, a lot of money who's really getting paid off here? Belgium is right to be cautious, you know? All this just feels too convenient

Man... can you believe what they're tryin' to do now ... so they wanna use Russia's frozen assets to help Ukraine, but some countries are all like "hold up, this might mess things up" ... I mean, it's a good idea and all, but we gotta think about the bigger picture here. If it doesn't work out, who's gonna foot the bill? ... and what if Russia sues us over it? ... still, I guess it's worth a shot. We gotta support Ukraine in this mess they're in. It's just crazy how things have escalated so quickly... back in my day, we didn't think wars would break out over oil and gas supplies ... now we're talkin' billions of dollars and international relations on the line

This plan is a total game changer ! I mean, €90 billion is a massive chunk of change, and if the EU can make it work, it'll be huge for Ukraine. The whole 'reparations loan' thing is genius – it puts pressure on Russia to talk peace, which is exactly what's needed here. And let's be real, Belgium's concerns about future lawsuits are just that – concerns . If the EU can get behind this plan, I think they'll see some serious progress in 2026 and 2027. And phasing out Russian gas imports? That's just common sense . The EU should've done this years ago, but better late than never!

idk why eu can't just use their own money instead of borrowing from us? like, they're already giving us billions lol anyway, i think its cool that they wanna put pressure on russia to talk peace... but belgium is being super cautious tho and what if russia sues them for this? thats a big risk

The EU is really thinking outside the box with this frozen Russian assets idea . I mean, €90 billion is a lot of cash . But at the same time, using someone else's assets without their permission can be seen as kinda shady . What do you guys think? Should we be borrowing from Russia to help Ukraine or what?

This whole thing just got super interesting because now we're essentially bailing out Ukraine by using other countries' money . Like, I get that they need help, but €90 billion? That's a lot of dosh . And what's the catch? Russia's all like "nope, not my problem" . Belgium's got some legit concerns about this too, saying it might stoke more conflict in the short term . I'm just curious to see how this plays out – will Ukraine be able to use that cash wisely or is it gonna get lost in some bureaucratic loop ?

I'm all for it! Using frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's war effort is a genius move, if you ask me. I mean, think about it - we're talking €90 billion here! That's serious cash that could make a huge difference on the battlefield. And let's be real, Russia's been trying to strangle Europe with their gas prices for ages, so this is like a sweet revenge in disguise .

Plus, using Russian assets to fund Ukraine will put pressure on Russia to negotiate peace talks. That's a win-win for everyone involved! And if some member states are worried about future lawsuits, well, that's just business as usual in the EU - we're always trying to navigate complex geopolitical situations.

I'm really excited to see this proposal go through and watch Ukraine become more secure and self-sufficient. It's about time Europe takes a stand against Russia's aggressive behavior!

Wow this is crazy how much money the EU is willing to invest in Ukraine... $105 billion is insane interesting that Belgium is being cautious though

I'm low-key surprised they're even proposing this I mean, using Russian frozen assets to fund Ukraine? It sounds like a crazy move But at the same time, it could actually be kinda genius. The EU is basically saying, "Hey Russia, you wanna invade us? Well, here's €90 billion in your face." And if that gets Russia to back down, I'm totally here for it

idk why EU needs 2 borrow money from int'l markets lol but i guess its better 4 Ukraine than nothin they really gotta step up & support kyiv or russia's gonna keep kickin' them around meanwhile eu leaders are all like "we got ur back" but belgium's all "hold on, dont do this" whats up w/ that?