Belgium once again blocks frozen Russian assets from funding Ukraine
Photo: Theo Francken (Getty Images)
Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken states that his country is categorically opposed to using Russia's frozen assets to provide financial support to Ukraine, according to Euractiv.
"This is non-negotiable, the door is closed. Our prime minister will stand firm," Theo Francken says.
Earlier this week, Sweden, Poland, the Netherlands, and Spain called on the European Commission to explore new ways to use approximately 200 billion euros in frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine.
In December 2025, at an EU summit, Belgian leader Bart De Wever rejected an attempt by Germany and the European Commission to establish a 200 billion euro reparations loan for Ukraine, stating that this would leave Belgium vulnerable to sanctions from Russia.
For his part, Theo Francken notes that Belgium's resistance had caused discontent. He singles out the Baltic states in particular, as they are the most ardent supporters of the reparations loan.
"They should also be careful about constantly bringing this issue up again and putting us in a corner. I don't think that is wise," the Belgian Defense Minister concludes, referring to the Baltic states.
What else important to know
Recently, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that spending on defense and the country's reconstruction was rising due to the ongoing war and the intensification of Russia's terror campaign. In this regard, he proposed covering these costs using Russia's frozen assets.
Politico also reported that the EU was preparing a new package of sanctions against Russia, which could target approximately 1,600 individuals and entities. In addition, the issue of using Russia's frozen assets continues to be discussed.
