🔗 Share this article EU Economic Leaders Convene to Debate Unlocking €140 Billion in Immobilized Russian Funds for Kyiv Support European Union finance ministers are gathering in the EU capital this morning to tackle the bloc's economic priorities, including the increasingly urgent issue of financial support to the Ukrainian government. Zelenskyy States Country's Existence Depends on Allies Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared in a latest interview that Ukraine's existence depended on obtaining additional financial aid from international partners. “I hope, God bless, they will approve this decision,” he stated to reporters. Otherwise, “It will be necessary to seek another solution, it concerns our survival. For this reason it is essential very much. And I count on our allies.” EU Commission Pushes for €140bn Compensation Funding The EU executive continues to aim to convince member states – including Belgium, which continues to bloc the proposal due to legal fears – to move ahead on a €140 billion reparations loan based on Moscow's immobilized funds. Commission president Ursula von der Leyen emphasized this morning that this represents “the optimal method to sustain Kyiv's military and national finances.” Resolution Delayed Till Year-End Meeting A definitive resolution on the matter has been postponed until the European Council meeting in the last month, with the funding needed early next year. Discussions Occur Amid Corruption Scandal in Ukraine But the talks are happening during a tricky moment for Kyiv, as Zelenskyy was forced to contain growing public outrage in Ukraine over a corruption scandal in the energy sector, firing several officials who are accused of participating in a extensive bribery scheme. Denmark's finance leader Stephanie Lose was questioned on her response to the allegations, and insisted that there was determination to keep aiding the Ukrainian people. “Naturally, The country will have to continuously work with reforms, strengthening every sector of their society [and] that also applies to fighting graft … but it is clear that Europe stands firmly behind Ukraine,” she said. Additional EU Events Monitored Separately, analysts will be keeping an eye on the Netherlands where the parliament meets to examine possible directions in the coalition talks, Rome-Tirana discussions in Rome giving us the most recent opportunity to witness the remarkable Meloni-Rama dynamics, and a series of high-level conferences throughout the continent, including the Alliance's Mark Rutte’s trip to a German airbase. Lots for us to cover. Today is Thursday, November 13, 2025, and we bring you European Updates. Good morning.