EU Delays Loan Plan Using Russian Assets | JQJO

European Union leaders failed to clinch a swift deal to fund Ukraine, deferring until December a proposal to use frozen Russian assets to back a €140 billion loan. Belgium, home to Euroclear where much of the money sits, balked at bearing disproportionate legal and financial risks, insisting they be shared. Brussels pledged to explore options for 2026–27 support while keeping the asset-backed plan on the table. Ursula von der Leyen said the 'what' is agreed, the 'how' remains. Volodymyr Zelensky called talks difficult as Ukraine’s urgent needs persist.