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European Union heads of state have gathered in the Belgian capital to hold year-end talks facing a pivotal choice regarding using immobilized Russian assets to boost the Ukrainian defense against Russia.

“There is a clear option: either funds now, or else blood in the future,” warned Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk. “This isn't just about Ukraine only, this concerns the entire continent.”

The 27-nation bloc is working urgently to strengthen Kyiv’s hand while former U.S. President Donald Trump pushes for a quick deal to halt the fighting as the war continues towards the fourth mark.

The Financial Crunch and the Proposed Plan

The EU estimates Ukraine needs an extra €135bn ($159bn) to stay afloat during the next two years, with the cash crunch expected to begin in the spring. To plug this gap, the European Commission has proposed a scheme to tap some €210bn of Russian central bank reserves seized in the bloc.

Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz argued the assets plan was essential to ramp up the pressure on Vladimir Putin and send “a clear message to the Kremlin.”

A Divided Union: Opposition and Legal Doubts

However, a notable group of dissenters, spearheaded by Belgium—the home of Euroclear, which holds the majority of the frozen funds—has been raising concerns about potential juridical challenges. Countries including Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Italy, Malta, and Slovakia have also registered reservations.

From a procedural standpoint, this coalition is not enough to block the plan should a vote be held under qualified majority voting rules. Yet in practical political terms, it makes the situation extremely difficult for all parties involved.

There remains no sign of a middle ground, as the alternative pathway—focusing on European Union debt—would require unanimity, and would likely be blocked by Hungary, which flatly denies any further assistance for Ukraine.

Officials' Statements Before the Talks

EU officials have insisted that the Brussels talks will continue for however long it takes to reach an agreement, cautioning that the future of Ukraine and Europe’s credibility are on the line.

• Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president, said she won’t leave the meeting before an deal is concluded.
• In a stark contrast, Slovakia's leader Robert Fico reportedly remarked that he could be kept until the new year, and he would not support it.
• Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to participate in the summit in a last-ditch attempt to convince the critics.

Firm Resistance from Hungary

The Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán proved to be blunt, labeling the proposition of utilizing seized assets “stupid” and equivalent to “marching into the conflict.” He voiced agreement for Belgium’s wary stance.

Calls for Consensus and a Resolution

Several other EU heads of state stressed the critical need for a decision.

• António Costa, European Council president, vowed: “Negotiations will continue on this today, if it’s necessary tomorrow, but we will never leave the summit before reaching a conclusive agreement.”
• Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief, commented that efforts to allay Belgian concerns and share the risk fairly were continuing. She put the chances of a successful outcome at “50/50.”
• Micheál Martin, Ireland’s leader, stated his nation was “very much in support” of the use of the immobilised funds.

The scene is prepared for a potentially protracted and tense bargaining session in Brussels, with the future of substantial financial aid for Ukraine resting in the balance.