Hey folks! EU leaders are in Brussels today (Dec 18–19, 2025) debating how to turn frozen Russian assets into support for Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russia’s Central Bank just sued Euroclear, the big financial clearing house in Belgium, for “illegally” freezing and using over 18 trillion rubles (around $225 billion) of its assets. Think of it like a bank freezing your savings and lending them out without permission—ouch. 💼💥
They’ve filed the claim this Thursday and want compensation plus lost profits. First hearing? Jan 16, 2026. 📆
Why it matters: Since the conflict ramped up in Feb 2022, about $300 billion of Russian overseas assets have been frozen by the West. In the EU alone, €210 billion is on ice, with 90% in Euroclear’s hands. The hot idea on the table: use those assets as collateral for bonds, then lend the cash to Ukraine as a “reparation loan,” to be paid back post-conflict. 🏛️💸
Not everyone’s on board: Hungary and Slovakia are giving cold shoulders. Belgium’s PM Bart De Wever warns that seizing assets could break international law, shake confidence in Euroclear, and spark Russian counter-moves. German Chancellor Merz pitched using Russian assets held in Germany to ease Belgium’s worries.
Watch out for fallout: Moscow calls the freezes “theft” and could hit back by seizing EU corporate assets in Russia or cutting exports of nickel, aluminum and fertilizers. 🔄⚖️
With President Zelenskyy in town urging EU unity and US–Russia talks kicking off in Miami, this summit could be a game-changer—for Europe and beyond. Stay tuned! 🌍✨
Reference(s):
Russia sues Euroclear as EU debates frozen assets for Ukraine
cgtn.com
