What is the row about the EU using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine?

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 5 min read 100% complete by Jennifer RankinDecember 17, 2025 at 04:17 PM
What is the row about the EU using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine?

AI Summary

long article 5 min

EU leaders are deciding whether to use frozen Russian central bank assets, totaling €210 billion primarily held at Euroclear in Brussels, to fund Ukraine. The EU plans to borrow from Euroclear to provide Ukraine with an initial €90 billion loan, covering about two-thirds of Kyiv's funding needs for 2026 and 2027, with repayment contingent on Russian reparations. While the EU previously agreed to use interest from these assets, directly using the assets is controversial due to concerns about eurozone stability. Germany's support and the halt of US military aid to Ukraine have shifted the calculus, as Ukraine faces potential bankruptcy without new funds by spring. The plan aims to address Ukraine's estimated €136 billion funding needs for 2026 and 2027.

Keywords

frozen russian assets 100% ukraine funding 90% eu 80% euroclear 70% reparations 60% russian invasion 50% financial stability 50% loan 40%

Sentiment Analysis

Negative
Score: -0.20

Source Transparency

Source
The Guardian - World News
Political Lean
Center-Left (-0.40)
Far LeftCenterFar Right
Classification Confidence
90%
Geographic Perspective
Russia

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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