Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed cautious optimism Thursday regarding potential progress at the EU summit in Brussels concerning the utilization of frozen Russian assets, a move he believes is crucial to thwarting a perceived Russian victory. Addressing a press conference, Zelenskyy asserted the necessity of defending against Russian aggression and anticipated substantive discussions amongst European leaders. He underscored the urgency of leveraging these funds to bolster Ukrainian weapons production, ideally making them accessible as early as the beginning of 2026.
The European Commission has proposed a “reparations credit” mechanism, leveraging the estimated €140 billion in frozen Russian assets to directly support Ukraine’s reconstruction and defense capabilities. This proposal, however, faces significant headwinds, notably resistance from Belgium, a jurisdiction housing a substantial portion of the frozen assets. The legal and political complexities surrounding the move, particularly concerning potential repercussions for the stability of the international financial system, are proving to be considerable obstacles.
Zelenskyy welcomed the recent adoption of the 19th sanctions package targeting Russia, highlighting its symbolic and practical importance. He also extended gratitude to nations contributing to the “Purl Initiative” a mechanism facilitating the purchase of U.S. weaponry for Ukraine, with Finland and Spain now joining the effort.
His remarks followed renewed warnings against territorial concessions amidst concerns stemming from recent statements by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has advocated for a cessation of hostilities and negotiations based on the current front lines. Zelenskyy vehemently rejected the notion of territorial exchanges, framing them as unacceptable violations of Ukrainian sovereignty. He argued that ceding territory constitutes an imbalance where Ukraine receives nothing in return while another party gains ground, rendering it a fundamentally unjust transaction. He insisted that increased pressure on Russia is paramount to compelling the Kremlin towards genuine peace negotiations, rather than acquiescing to a negotiated compromise that would effectively reward Moscow’s aggression. The President’s rhetoric signals a deepening resolve within Kyiv to resist any proposals that would involve surrendering territory under duress, emphasizing the nation’s determination to fight for its full territorial integrity.
