December 14 Brussels protest against Belgian government refusal to make frozen Russian funds available for a loan to Ukraine
Source: *Ukrainska Pravda. edited machine translation*
(December 12, 2025) On December 18, the European Council will vote for the last time on the use of frozen Russian assets [held by the securities depository Euroclear]. And right now, it is being decided whether Ukraine will receive a reparations loan that will allow us to finance our defense needs for another two years.
Russia is well aware that it is waging a war of attrition, and has therefore thrown all its resources into thwarting this decision. Because two years of stable funding means not only the ability to maintain defense, but also the possibility of strategic planning for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. This is a scenario that forces Russia to figure out how to continue its war of attrition in the context of its “slowing” economy, which is actually a recession.
Only a strong Ukraine can bring lasting peace, and all of Russia's “peaceful” statements against the backdrop of daily shelling and killings of civilians are just a smokescreen.
If the decision on the use of frozen Russian assets is not made now, the annual pan-European vote on the continuation of sanctions against Russia will begin in January. Its prolongation requires the unanimous support of all EU countries. Hungary has already publicly declared its readiness to block this decision and exercise its veto.
Belgium, namely Prime Minister De Wever, is in fact lobbying for the interests of Euroclear, a structure that derives significant income from the placement of frozen Russian assets. Blocking the decision to use these funds to support Ukraine allows this structure to continue to accumulate excess profits from these funds.
Their argument that “it is illegal” has long been refuted by Belgian, French, and international professors and lawyers in numerous op-eds, briefs, and open letters. Now they say that it will “hinder the peace plan of Trump and Russia.”
To divide Russian assets between the US and Russia and also force Europe to pay an additional 100 billion from taxpayers' pockets.
Today, this reparations loan is the only option that does not fall on the shoulders of European taxpayers. All other models, which were also presented by Ursula von der Leyen, involve the use of EU budget funds.
That is why every voice, every poster, every check, and every presence is important now.
Prime Minister Bart De Wever does not mince his words and openly states that the idea of Ukraine's victory and fair compensation for damages by Russia is a “fairy tale illusion”: "During a war, sovereign assets are frozen. And after the war, the losing side must give up all or part of these assets to compensate the winners for their losses. But who really believes that Russia will lose in Ukraine? It's a fairy tale, a complete illusion."
The reaction of European communities to the Belgian government's position is harsh and unequivocal.
[Antwerp Ukraine solidarity activist] Michael Deslouver emphasizes in his statement on the issue:
"We are deeply disappointed by our Prime Minister's decision not to support the use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. At a time when Russia is stepping up its hybrid attacks on Belgium, from drones to cyber operations, our government should remain steadfast. Instead, we gave in to pressure and looked for a way out.
Using these assets would not only have been legally justified; it would have sent a powerful signal that Belgium stands on the side of justice. Morally, it is the only right choice: Russia must pay for the destruction it continues to cause, not European taxpayers."