BRUSSELS – The European Union is once again raising the issue of using frozen Russian assets to finance support for Ukraine. Sweden, the Netherlands, Spain, and Poland want to ask the European Commission for a new assessment of the legal and technical possibilities for using these funds. The reason is growing concern that current financial mechanisms will not be sufficient to meet Kyiv's needs in the long term.
According to information from the Financial Times, four member states are preparing a letter to the European Commission, asking whether Brussels has made any progress since the last discussion on finding ways to overcome the legal and political obstacles associated with using frozen Russian assets. Belgium remains a significant obstacle, as a large portion of the Russian assets is located within its territory. Brussels has previously attempted to find a way to use these funds to benefit Ukraine, but the Belgian government has warned of potential legal and financial risks. A previous proposal was reportedly blocked in December 2025.
Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard stated that the current situation represents an opportune moment to reassess the possibilities for using Russian assets. According to the minister, while the European Union has already demonstrated its willingness to continue providing financial support to Ukraine, existing measures may not cover future needs. One of the key tools is the planned EU loan of 90 billion euros. However, even this amount may not be sufficient if the war continues and Ukraine requires extensive financial assistance.
The initiators of the new debate are also seeking to ensure that any potential financial burden is not solely borne by individual member states. According to their argument, using frozen Russian funds could represent a way to shift some of the costs associated with supporting Kyiv onto assets linked to Russia. However, according to sources quoted by the Financial Times, the European Commission acknowledges that it currently does not have any new solutions that would remove existing political and legal obstacles. Furthermore, Belgium has reportedly not changed its position.
The issue of Russian assets remains one of the most sensitive financial and legal topics in European policy. The EU must simultaneously address the needs of Ukraine, the concerns of some member states about potential legal consequences, and the question of whether frozen assets can be used without creating a precedent for future international disputes. This debate is likely to gain importance in the coming months, particularly due to the long-term financing of Ukraine. If a politically and legally acceptable solution cannot be found, member states will probably be forced to seek other ways to secure the necessary funds.