torsdag 18 december 2025

No one can leave – until Russia’s billions are distributed

Isaac Turne

Published 00.08
Volodymyr Zelenskyj under dagens presskonferens. 
Volodymyr Zelensky during today’s press conference. Photo: Omar Havana / AP

The hours pass but the meeting continues.

Where the Russian billions will end up is being discussed extensively.

And no one can leave until it’s done.

For several hours, EU leaders have been meeting in Brussels. They are discussing whether the frozen Russian state assets that exist should be lent out or not.

Should the countries help Ukraine or is that too much of a risk?

That depends on who you ask.

The majority of the 210 billion euros is held by the securities institution Euroclear in Belgium. They are also the ones who are most afraid of lending the money to Ukraine.

De frysta ryska tillgångarna finns till största delen hos värdepappersinstitutet Euroclear i Bryssel. 
The frozen Russian assets are mostly held by the securities institution Euroclear in Brussels. Photo: Sylvain Plazy/AP

They have received backing from Hungary, Slovakia and Bulgaria, among others. But it looks unlikely that their demands for unlimited financial guarantees will be passed.

On the other side are Sweden and Germany, among others, who see it as the only possibility to support Ukraine.

Ulf Kristersson, längst till vänster, är redo för nattmangling enligt Reuters. 
Ulf Kristersson, far left, is ready for a night mangling according to Reuters. Photo: Stephanie Lecocq / AP

No one is allowed to leave

- I will stay all night if necessary, Ulf Kristersson tells Reuters.

Estonian Prime Minister, Kristen Michal, has said that he will stay all Christmas.

- No one is allowed to leave the meeting before the issue is resolved, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made it clear before the meeting.

That seems to be exactly what will happen.

Everyone agrees that it is the most important issue on the agenda. The discussions are taking place both openly and in private – but the visibility from the outside is limited, writes Politico.
No mobile phones and other employees are excluded.

But what the meeting will end in, only time will tell.

Macron och Orban i samspråk med andra representanter. 
Macron and Orban in conversation with other representatives. Photo: Geert Vanden Wijngaert / AP 

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