EU Freezes Russian Assets Indefinitely to Aid Ukraine Support

BREAKING: The European Union has just announced the indefinite freeze of approximately €210 billion ($247 billion) in Russian assets across Europe. This critical move ensures that Hungary and Slovakia, both with pro-Moscow governments, cannot veto the use of these funds to support Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia.

This urgent decision, made on December 15, 2025, aims to prevent Hungary and Slovakia from blocking the EU’s financial assistance to Ukraine, which has been devastated by Russia’s aggression since February 24, 2022. EU leaders are set to discuss how to utilize these assets at a summit on December 18, with plans to back a significant loan to bolster Ukraine’s military and financial needs over the next two years.

EU Council President António Costa emphasized the importance of this action, stating, “Today we delivered on our commitment to keep Russian assets immobilized until Russia ends its war of aggression against Ukraine.” This bold step is expected to expedite the process of securing necessary funds for Ukraine, which is facing severe financial strains as it continues to defend itself against Russian incursions.

The frozen assets, primarily held in Euroclear, a Belgian financial institution, are crucial for Ukraine’s recovery and defense efforts. The funds had previously been blocked under sanctions imposed by the EU but required unanimous approval from all 27 member nations for renewal. Hungary and Slovakia’s opposition to further support for Ukraine has now been circumvented, allowing for a streamlined approach to accessing these critical resources.

“The rule of law in the European Union comes to an end,” said Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, criticizing the EU’s decision. He accused the European Commission of undermining legal protocols to prolong the war in Ukraine.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico echoed these sentiments in a recent letter, warning that utilizing frozen Russian assets could jeopardize peace efforts led by the United States, which seeks to use these resources for Ukraine’s reconstruction.

As the situation unfolds, this decisive action by the EU aims to mitigate the rising economic costs imposed by the war, which have already strained energy supplies and growth within the bloc. The EU has contributed nearly €200 billion ($235 billion) in support to Ukraine thus far, highlighting the ongoing commitment to assist its neighbor in the face of unyielding Russian aggression.

Looking ahead, the upcoming summit on December 18 will be pivotal in determining how the EU can effectively leverage these frozen assets to aid Ukraine. Officials are expected to outline strategies for long-term financial support, crucial for sustaining Ukraine’s defense and rebuilding its war-torn economy.

This latest development is not only a financial maneuver but a significant political stance against Russia, reinforcing the EU’s solidarity with Ukraine. As these discussions continue, the global community will be watching closely to see how the EU navigates the complex geopolitical landscape in support of Ukraine.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, and be sure to share this information to keep others informed about the urgent measures being taken in the face of the ongoing crisis.