EU Indefinitely Freezes Russian Assets to Boost Ukraine Support
BREAKING: The European Union has indefinitely frozen Russian assets in Europe to ensure that Hungary and Slovakia cannot block the use of these funds for Ukraine. This urgent decision was made on December 15, 2025, as part of a strategy to utilize €210 billion ($247 billion) in Russian Central Bank assets to support Ukraine’s military and financial needs.
This move is critical as it enables EU leaders to finalize plans at a summit scheduled for December 18, 2025, to provide significant financial assistance to Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia. EU Council President António Costa emphasized that the commitment made in October to immobilize Russian assets has now been fulfilled.
The decision to freeze these assets was executed using a special economic emergency procedure, reflecting the EU’s urgency in addressing the fallout from Russia’s war against Ukraine, which has persisted for nearly four years. Costa stated, “Next step: securing Ukraine’s financial needs for 2026–27,” underlining the EU’s focus on long-term support.
With Hungary and Slovakia holding pro-Moscow positions, this decisive action prevents any potential vetoes they could impose on the use of the frozen funds. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán of Hungary has criticized the EU, claiming it undermines European law, while Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has expressed his refusal to back any measures that would finance Ukraine’s military operations.
The assets, primarily held in Euroclear, have been frozen since the EU imposed sanctions on Russia in response to the invasion launched on February 24, 2022. These sanctions must be renewed every six months with unanimous approval from all 27 EU member states. The recent decision circumvents potential blockages by Hungary and Slovakia, facilitating the use of these funds more efficiently.
In light of the ongoing conflict, the EU has already provided nearly €200 billion ($235 billion) in aid to Ukraine, highlighting the financial strain the war has placed on the European economy. The Commission argues that continued support for Ukraine is essential to mitigate rising energy prices and economic decline within the EU.
However, Fico warns that utilizing frozen Russian assets could jeopardize U.S. peace efforts, which rely on these resources for Ukraine’s reconstruction. Meanwhile, the Central Bank of Russia has filed a lawsuit against Euroclear, asserting that the freezing of assets is illegal and violates international law.
This unprecedented move by the EU marks a significant escalation in its efforts to support Ukraine while navigating internal opposition from Hungary and Slovakia. As developments unfold, all eyes will be on the upcoming summit and the broader implications for EU-Russian relations.
Stay tuned for further updates as this situation develops.
