EU Leaders to Signal Strong Support for Zelensky at Brussels Summit

European leaders are set to reaffirm their support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at a summit in Brussels on Thursday, following a turbulent few days that saw Donald Trump announce — and then retract — plans to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin.

During the meeting, EU leaders will hold talks with Zelensky, reiterate their backing for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, and agree in principle to a proposal that would use frozen Russian assets to fund a major loan package for Kyiv. The Ukrainian leader is also expected to receive a boost with the formal adoption of a new round of EU sanctions against Moscow.

Trump’s earlier statement about a possible meeting with Putin in Budapest had sparked unease among Kyiv’s European allies, though the planned summit was later shelved. On Wednesday, the U.S. imposed sanctions on major Russian oil companies, further tightening pressure on the Kremlin.

Following last week’s tense White House meeting between Trump and Zelensky, European leaders are eager to send a clear message that Ukraine can still count on Europe’s full support.

EU Advances “Reparation Loan” Plan

A key signal of long-term commitment will be the European Commission’s proposal to use frozen Russian central bank assets in Europe to provide €140 billion ($163 billion) in so-called “reparation loans” to Ukraine.

Under the plan, the EU would use cash balances generated from the immobilized assets held in Euroclear, helping Kyiv cover much of its funding needs for 2026 and 2027. Leaders will now seek to address legal and financial concerns raised by Belgium, which holds a large portion of these Russian assets through its securities depository.

Member states have also begun debating conditions attached to the loan. Some argue the funds should go primarily toward Ukraine’s military efforts and be spent largely on European-made weapons, while others believe Kyiv should have flexibility to buy U.S. equipment and use part of the money for general budget support.

“There is a clear political will to move forward,” one EU diplomat told Reuters, “but many details still need to be worked out.”

Kyiv Seeks Full Autonomy Over Funds

A senior official in Zelensky’s administration said Ukraine needs both the funds and the freedom to decide how to allocate them by the end of the year.

According to a draft compromise, the European Commission has proposed that most of the loan be spent on Ukrainian and European defense production, with a smaller portion reserved for general budget support, which could allow purchases from non-European suppliers.

Leaders are expected to authorize the Commission to prepare a formal legal proposal as the next step.

Russia has condemned the plan as an illegal seizure of property and warned of retaliatory measures.

EU Adopts 19th Sanctions Package

After Slovakia lifted its objections, EU countries late Wednesday approved their 19th sanctions package against Russia, which is expected to be formally adopted on Thursday morning.

The package includes a ban on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports starting in January 2027, as well as measures targeting the “shadow tanker fleet” and two independent Chinese oil refiners accused of helping Moscow circumvent sanctions.