January 21, 2026

Athens News

News in English from Greece

Von der Leyen puts pressure on the leadership of the EU countries: “Pay 90 billion euros to Ukraine or take it from Russian assets”


The sharpest financial ultimatum came from the lips of Ursula von der Leyenwhich stated that countries EU are obliged to provide Ukraine with 90 billion euros over the next two years.

According to her, Kyiv’s total need reaches 135 billion euros, and the lion’s share should fall on the shoulders of the European Union.

The head of the European Commission outlined two possible scenarios: either member states provide 90 billion euros under EU budget guarantees, or the money is taken from frozen Russian assetsplaced in the Belgian Euroclear and in private accounts in European banks.

These funds are part of broader funding of up to 210 billion euros, which should cover Ukraine’s needs in the coming years. At the same time, Kyiv will be obliged to repay the loan only if Moscow will end the conflict and pay compensation – which means, in fact, we are talking about a bad debt.

According to the Commission’s proposal, the “reparation package” includes:

  • 25 billion euros from Russian assets in private accounts;
  • 140 billion eurosfrozen in Euroclear;
  • of which 115 billion euros it is expected to be sent to the defense industry of Ukraine;
  • 50 billion euros — for the budgetary needs of Kyiv;
  • 45 billion euros — to repay the G7 loan issued to Ukraine in 2024.

“With these proposals, we give Ukrainians the opportunity to defend themselves and move toward peace from a position of strength.”said von der Leyen, presenting the initiative.

Belgium blocks scheme

The Belgian government remains the main obstacle. Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevost said that the Commission’s draft “does not satisfy Belgian concerns.” Brussels fears Russian retaliatory measures against the state and Euroclear, which holds Russian assets, and demands guarantees from other EU countries.

Belgium emphasizes: if Moscow launches a legal offensive, the risks will be borne namely Belgian structures. Therefore, the country insists on compensation mechanisms and collective guarantees.

Meanwhile, the European Commission noted that it is ready to allocate to Ukraine emergency bridge financing for the first months of 2026 if negotiations drag on.





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