Belgium Money or blood: Zelensky puts pressure on the EU
In the struggle for further financial support for Ukraine, its President Volodymyr Zelensky is pushing for a quick decision.
18.12.2025, 17:44
SDA
"Today's decision means whether the partners understand us or not," said the head of state of the country attacked by Russia at a press conference on the sidelines of the meeting of EU leaders in Brussels. There must be clarity by the end of the year at the latest.
If Ukraine is not supported, there is a good chance that the country will not be able to survive, said Selenskyj. "Then Europe will no longer pay with money, but with blood." He agreed with Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who had warned before the start of the meeting: "It's either money today or blood tomorrow". He was referring not only to Ukraine, but also to Europe.
Ukraine needs billions
According to estimates by the IMF and the EU Commission, a three-digit billion sum is likely to be needed over the next two years for military and financial support for Ukraine. The financial requirements for the period from 2026 to the end of 2027 amount to just over 137 billion euros (around 128 billion Swiss francs). Europe wants to cover two thirds of this.
At the meeting of EU heads of state and government in Brussels, the use of Russian funds frozen in the international community as a loan for Ukraine will be discussed. The money is necessary so that Russia does not use these assets as a lever of influence, Selensky continued. "We need a decision so that it will not be part of the negotiations."
The Belgian government is currently blocking the plan, citing legal and financial risks. The majority of the frozen Russian assets are located in Belgium. The head of government there, Bart De Wever, and Selensky also met for bilateral talks on the sidelines of the summit.
