European Union Economic Leaders Gather to Discuss Accessing €140 Billion in Immobilized Russian Assets for Ukraine Funding
European Union finance ministers are gathering in the EU capital this morning to tackle the union's economic priorities, featuring the increasingly urgent issue of financial support to Ukraine.
Zelenskyy Warns Country's Survival Relies on Allies
Kyiv's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared in a latest interview that the country's survival depended on receiving more funds from international partners.
“We trust, God bless, they will approve the necessary funding,” he told media outlets. If not, “We will have to find an alternative, it concerns our survival. That’s why we need it very much. And I count on our allies.”
European Authorities Pushes for €140 Billion Compensation Funding
The EU executive continues to aim to convince participating countries – and Belgium, which is currently blocking the proposal due to legal fears – to move ahead on a €140 billion financial compensation based on frozen Russian assets.
EU chief Ursula von der Leyen emphasized this morning that it would be “the most effective way to support Ukraine’s defence and national finances.”
Decision Postponed Until Year-End Summit
A final decision on the matter has been postponed till the European Council meeting in December, as the financial support needed at the start of the coming year.
Discussions Occur Amid Corruption Scandal in Ukraine
But these discussions come at a difficult moment for Kyiv, as the president had to move to address growing public outrage in Ukraine regarding a corruption scandal in the energy sector, dismissing two ministers who are accused of participating in a large-scale corruption network.
Denmark's economic affairs minister Stephanie Lose was asked about her reaction to the scandal, and insisted that there was commitment to keep aiding the Ukrainian people.
“Naturally, The country will have to persistently focus with improvements, reinforcing all parts of their society [and] including fighting graft … but it is clear that Europe stands firmly with Kyiv,” she said.
Other EU Developments Under Watch
In other news, analysts will be keeping an eye on Holland where the legislature meets to discuss possible directions in the coalition talks, the Italy-Albania consultations in the Italian capital giving us the most recent opportunity to witness the remarkable leadership interplay, and a series of high-level meetings across Europe, including Nato’s Mark Rutte’s trip to a German airbase.
Lots for us to report on.
It’s Thursday, 13 November 2025, and this is Europe Live.
Good morning.
