Speaking briefly to reporters before entering the summit in Brussels, Tusk called on European leaders to rise to the occasion as they prepare to decide on further financial support for Ukraine.
“This is a simple choice: either money today or blood tomorrow,” Tusk said. “I’m not talking about Ukraine. I’m talking about Europe. All European leaders must finally live up to the challenge.”
The summit is expected to determine the EU’s next steps in financing aid for Ukraine. EU diplomats say finding the necessary funds is crucial—regardless of the method.
One leading proposal, backed by the European Commission and countries including Poland and Germany, involves using frozen Russian central bank assets—worth around EUR 210 billion—to finance a so-called reparations loan for Ukraine. The idea is that Ukraine would repay the funds after the war, once Russia pays war reparations. Belgium, where most of the assets are held, has opposed the plan.
Other options include EU-backed or country-guaranteed loans to Ukraine.
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Source: PAP