Belgium has blocked the approval of a 140-billion-euro “reparations loan” to Ukraine, which was to be financed through profits generated from frozen Russian assets. The move, confirmed during the Brussels summit, has delayed plans for the European Union to provide large-scale financial assistance to Kyiv at the beginning of 2026.

The EU’s €140 billion loan for Ukraine remains stalled after Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever resisted plans to use frozen Russian assets to fund it. Belgium, home to most of those assets, warned of major financial and legal risks. At a Brussels summit, leaders softened their language, effectively delaying a decision for at least two more months and raising fresh doubts about the bloc’s commitment to Ukraine. On Friday, the coalition of the willing will meet in London to discuss further about the Ukraine support. France24 International Affairs Editor Philippe Turle gives his insights.