European Union leaders are meeting to decide on financial aid for Ukraine in 2026. The main summit discussions revolve around two support scenarios.
The first proposal involves providing Ukraine with a so-called reparations loan sourced from frozen Russian Federation assets totaling about €130 billion. The plan assumes Ukraine would repay the EU after potentially receiving reparations from Russia, though in reality this move is seen as confiscation. Several member states oppose this, influenced by both legal concerns and the positions of key external actors such as the United States and Donald Trump.
The second option would see EU countries collectively guaranteeing a €90 billion financial package out of the Union's own budget. However, such a move requires unanimous approval, which Hungary and some other nations have so far blocked.
German Chancellor, the Italian Prime Minister, and others have voiced reluctance to transfer Russian assets hastily. Meanwhile, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized the urgency of reaching a decision, citing the security stakes for the entire continent.
EU leaders remain divided, facing pressure from both the US and Russia. The ongoing closed-door debate will determine future European security and the extent of support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.
