Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made a compelling appeal to the European Union to support a plan that would release billions of euros in frozen Russian assets to bolster Ukraine’s defense efforts. Speaking during the EU leaders’ summit in Brussels, Zelensky expressed hope for a ‘positive decision’ regarding the utilization of €140 billion (£122 billion) in Russian funds currently held in a Belgian clearing house. This proposal, which has sparked significant debate, would complement the existing sanctions imposed on Russia, including recent measures targeting the Kremlin’s oil revenues. The EU’s latest sanctions, announced on Thursday, follow similar actions by the United States against Russia’s oil industry, marking the first time President Donald Trump has sanctioned Moscow amid growing frustration over President Vladimir Putin’s refusal to end the conflict. Trump also confirmed the indefinite postponement of a planned meeting with Putin in Budapest, citing unproductive discussions. The US sanctions specifically targeted Russian oil giants Rosneft and Lukoil. Meanwhile, European ministers have been deliberating on how to allocate the frozen Russian assets as a ‘reparations loan’ to Ukraine. Zelensky, attending the Brussels summit, emphasized the moral and financial responsibility of Russia, stating, ‘Russia brought war to our land, and they have to pay for this war.’ However, the proposal faces legal and political hurdles, with Belgium expressing reluctance due to potential legal challenges from Russia. EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas acknowledged the complexities but stressed that ‘Russia is responsible for the damages in Ukraine and has to pay.’ Russia has vehemently criticized the plan, with foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova warning of a ‘painful response’ to any confiscatory measures. The EU’s latest sanctions also targeted three Chinese businesses involved in purchasing Russian crude oil, a move condemned by China as undermining economic cooperation. The overarching goal of these measures, according to Kallas, is to ‘deprive Russia of the means to fund this war’ and send a clear message that ‘Russia can’t outlast us.’