In a video address posted on social media ahead of Thursday’s meeting of EU leaders in Brussels, Zelensky said the summit’s conclusions should show Moscow that Ukraine will have the financial means to keep defending itself.
"Tomorrow, European leaders are meeting in Brussels," Zelensky said. "It will be a very important meeting. The outcome of this meeting ... must make Russia feel that its desire to continue the war next year is pointless, because Ukraine will have support."
EU leaders are expected to debate a proposal for a so-called reparations loan for Ukraine that would be financed using assets frozen from Russia following its full-scale invasion.
The European Commission has proposed a mechanism involving up to EUR 90 billion in frozen Russian assets, public broadcaster Polish Radio’s IAR news agency reported.
Zelensky said the decision rests entirely with European countries and urged them to act.
However, the plan faces resistance from several member states. Belgium, where a large share of the frozen Russian assets is held, has voiced concerns about possible retaliation from Moscow.
Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Malta, Slovakia, Hungary and Italy have also raised objections, according to reports.
While the proposal could theoretically be pushed through by a qualified majority vote, diplomats have described such a move as an "atomic option," particularly given Belgium's position.
The European Commission has also outlined an alternative plan under which the EU would borrow on financial markets to support Ukraine, but that option would require unanimous approval from all member states.
Many European capitals argue that Russia, not European taxpayers, should bear the cost of repairing the damage caused by the war.
Zelensky is expected to travel to Brussels for the summit. Poland will be represented by Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
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Source: IAR, president.gov.ua