EU Finance Ministers Convene to Debate Unlocking €140 Billion in Frozen Moscow's Funds for Kyiv Support
European Union finance ministers are gathering in the EU capital this Thursday to address the bloc's financial priorities, featuring the increasingly urgent issue of funding for Ukraine.
Ukraine's President Warns Country's Existence Depends on Allies
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated in a recent interview that the country's survival relied on receiving more funds from allies.
“We trust, God bless, we will get this decision,” he told media outlets. If not, “It will be necessary to seek an alternative, it concerns our surviving. That’s why we need it very much. We rely on our allies.”
EU Commission Pushes for €140 Billion Reparations Loan
The EU executive still hopes to convince participating countries – including Belgium, which continues to bloc the proposal due to legal fears – to move ahead on a €140 billion financial compensation using Moscow's immobilized funds.
Commission president Ursula von der Leyen insisted this morning that it would be “the most effective way to sustain Ukraine’s defence and national finances.”
Decision Delayed Until December Meeting
A definitive resolution on the matter has been deferred till the European Council meeting in the last month, as the financial support needed early next year.
Talks Coincide with Corruption Scandal in Kyiv
But these discussions are happening during a tricky time for Kyiv, as the president had to move to contain rising popular anger in Ukraine over a bribery incident in the power industry, dismissing two ministers allegedly involved in participating in a large-scale bribery scheme.
Denmark's economic affairs minister Stephanie Lose was asked about her response to the allegations, and affirmed that there was determination to keep aiding the Ukrainian people.
“Of course, The country will have to continuously work with improvements, reinforcing all parts of their society [and] that also applies to fighting graft … but there shouldn’t be any doubt that Europe stands firmly behind Ukraine,” she stated.
Additional European Developments Under Watch
In other news, analysts will be keeping an eye on the Netherlands where the parliament meets to examine potential ways ahead in the coalition talks, the Italy-Albania consultations in the Italian capital offering the latest chance to witness the remarkable Meloni-Rama dynamics, and a series of high-level conferences throughout the continent, including the Alliance's the secretary general's visit to a military installation in Germany.
Lots for us to report on.
It’s November 13, 13 November 2025, and this is Europe Live.
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