EU's Financial Lifeline to Ukraine Amid Belgian Opposition and Sanction Tensions

The European Union plans to provide Ukraine with a financial package over the next two years, facing opposition from Belgium regarding the use of Russian frozen assets. Belgium outlines conditions including risk-sharing among EU members. Simultaneously, new EU sanctions against Russia aim to strengthen Ukrainian support.

The European Union is set to back a crucial financial plan for Ukraine amid opposition from Belgium over the usage of Russian frozen assets. This decision emerges from a summit in Brussels, signaling EU's support despite potential blockades by Belgium and ongoing geopolitical tensions with Russia.

Belgium's Prime Minister Bart De Wever insists on risk-sharing among all EU countries and transparency regarding the legal and financial ramifications of utilizing Russian assets. At the summit, EU leaders also intend to strengthen Ukraine's military capabilities by facilitating a reparations loan.

The summit additionally marks the formal approval of new EU sanctions against Russia, including a ban on Russian liquefied natural gas starting January 2027. As diplomatic complexities evolve, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy seeks financial and military backing from both the EU and the U.S. amidst ongoing geopolitical pressures.

(With inputs from agencies.)