Zelensky in Brussels: Majority of EU leaders support reparations loan for Ukraine
President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that the majority of European Union leaders support a reparations loan, although some advocate for alternative instruments.
The President made the remarks during a press conference in Brussels. The event was streamed on the YouTube channel of the Office of the President, with Ukrinform providing live coverage.
“We understand that most leaders support a reparations loan; there are leaders who support other instruments. I cannot tell you on behalf of the leaders how today or tomorrow will end,” Zelensky said.
He noted that Europe is united in the view that Ukraine must not be left without clarity in the coming days regarding its financial capacity for the next year. “Because this is truly a threat. What kind of threat? There will definitely be a deficit of $45–$50 billion. It could be even higher,” the President said.
According to him, Ukraine is making every possible effort to end the war through diplomatic means, yet on the Russian side, “there is more talk about war than about peace.”
“And therefore, Ukraine must be strong. This is not just about a $45–$50 billion deficit. This is not only about the front. It is, in principle, about the ability to fight,” the Head of State emphasized.
He emphasized that a decision on financing should be made by the end of this year.
As reported by Ukrinform, on October 23 in Brussels, Zelensky participated in a meeting of the European Council, during which he stated that the EU is prepared to provide financial support to Ukraine in 2026–2027.
The President also assured that during the October summit in Brussels, EU leaders had adopted a political decision regarding frozen Russian assets, while a practical decision must be taken by the end of the year.
At the same time, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever stated that his country insists on adopting a legal framework and establishing shared responsibility for the use of frozen Russian assets for the benefit of Ukraine, which, he noted, does not yet exist.
The issue of transferring frozen Russian assets to Ukraine is one of the key items on the agenda of the European Council meeting, scheduled to take place in Brussels on December 18–19.
Photo: European Union