EU Finance Ministers Gather to Discuss Accessing €140 Billion in Immobilized Russian Assets for Kyiv Funding

European Union economic leaders are meeting in the EU capital this morning to tackle the bloc's financial priorities, featuring the increasingly urgent question of financial support to the Ukrainian government.

Ukraine's President Warns Nation's Survival Depends on Allies

Kyiv's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated in a latest interview that the country's survival relied on obtaining more funds from international partners.

“I hope, God bless, we will get this decision,” he told reporters. Otherwise, “We will have to find an alternative, it’s a question of our survival. That’s why it is essential very much. We rely on our allies.”

EU Commission Pushes for €140bn Reparations Loan

The European Commission still hopes to persuade member states – including Belgium, which continues to bloc the proposal amid legal fears – to move ahead on a €140 billion reparations loan based on frozen Russian assets.

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen insisted this morning that it would be “the most effective way to sustain Ukraine’s defence and its economy.”

Decision Postponed Until December Summit

A definitive resolution on the matter has been deferred till the European Council meeting in December, with the funding required early next year.

Discussions Coincide with Corruption Scandal in Ukraine

But the talks are happening during a tricky time for Kyiv, as Zelenskyy was forced to contain rising popular anger in Ukraine regarding a corruption scandal in the power industry, firing two ministers who are accused of participating in a large-scale corruption network.

Denmark's economic affairs minister Stephanie Lose was questioned on her reaction to the scandal, and affirmed that there was determination to continue supporting the Ukrainian people.

“Of course, The country will have to persistently focus with improvements, reinforcing every sector of the nation [and] including anti-corruption … but there shouldn’t be any doubt that Europe stands firmly with Ukraine,” she said.

Other EU Events Under Watch

Separately, observers will be keeping an eye on the Netherlands where the legislature meets to discuss possible directions in the government formation process, the Italy-Albania consultations in Rome giving us the latest chance to witness the remarkable Meloni-Rama dynamics, and a series of high-level conferences throughout the continent, including Nato’s Mark Rutte’s trip to a military installation in Germany.

Lots for us to cover.

Today is November 13, November 13, 2025, and this is Europe Live.

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