For Ukraine’s Allies in Europe, a Bad Deal With Russia Is Worse Than No Deal

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued a stark warning regarding the dire situation on the battlefield if European leaders do not approve the use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. The EU is currently deliberating on a $105 billion loan to sustain Kyiv's military efforts amid ongoing conflict with Russia.

The European Union has imposed sanctions on an additional 41 vessels linked to Russia's shadow fleet, bringing the total number of sanctioned ships to nearly 600. This action is part of the EU's ongoing efforts to counter Russia's military aggression and economic activities that undermine international sanctions.

Discussions at the EU summit in Brussels are focused on the potential use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, with Ukrainian MP Lisa Yasko emphasizing the significance of this decision for Europe's leadership role. She stated that the outcome of the evening could reveal whether Europe can act decisively or if fear of Russia will prevail.

European Union leaders are convening in Brussels to discuss the potential use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine's urgent financial needs, as the country faces a significant cash shortfall amid ongoing conflict. This summit is being described as one of the most crucial since the 2008 financial crisis, with decisions expected to impact Ukraine's stability and future.

The Danish government has accused Russia of orchestrating two significant cyber-attacks, which the Danish Defence Intelligence Service (DDIS) describes as part of a hybrid war. These attacks targeted a Danish water utility in 2024 and involved distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks on various Danish websites ahead of municipal elections in November.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has labeled European leaders as 'piglets' seeking revenge against Russia, reflecting ongoing tensions between Russia and Europe. This statement comes amid a backdrop of escalating rhetoric and military posturing regarding the conflict in Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that Ukraine may need to reduce its drone production if a deal is not reached regarding the use of frozen Russian assets to support its war efforts. He emphasized the moral clarity of transferring these assets to fund Ukraine's military needs during a critical EU summit in Brussels.

EU leaders are in urgent discussions to secure a funding deal for Ukraine, emphasizing the critical choice between immediate financial support and the potential for increased conflict. The summit has highlighted the contentious proposal to utilize €210 billion of frozen Russian assets, with Belgium expressing reservations about the risks involved in such a scheme.