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EU summit in Brussels with Ukrainian President to decide future aid

18.12.2025 12:25
Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Brussels on Thursday for a high-stakes EU summit at which the future of support for Ukraine is expected to be determined.
From left: Belgian Prime Minister Bart de Wever, Polands Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof during the EU Council Summit in Brussels, Belgium, 18 December 2025. EU leaders are meeting to discuss the latest developments in Ukraine.
From left: Belgian Prime Minister Bart de Wever, Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof during the EU Council Summit in Brussels, Belgium, 18 December 2025. EU leaders are meeting to discuss the latest developments in Ukraine.Photo: OLIVIER HOSLET/PAP/EPA

During discussions with European leaders, in which Poland is represented by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, a decision is expected on the continuation of financial aid to Kyiv. Talks began at 11 a.m. on 18 December 2025.

Among the proposals under consideration is a reparations-style loan, to be financed using frozen Russian assets.

Around €90 billion currently held in accounts in Belgium could be mobilised. However, Belgian authorities are reluctant to approve the transfer, citing concerns over potential retaliation from Moscow.

Brussels is reportedly demanding unlimited guarantees that other EU member states would cover any multibillion-euro claims arising from such a move.

Ahead of the summit, Prime Minister Tusk, speaking via social media, emphasised the gravity of the moment: “Now we have a simple choice: either money today, or blood tomorrow. I’m not talking about Ukraine only, I’m talking about Europe. This is our decision to make. And only ours. All European leaders must finally rise to the challenge.”

On Friday, the President of Ukraine is scheduled to make an official visit to Poland.

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Source: IAR/X/@donaldtusk