German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced on December 16 that the chances of the European Union making a decision on the use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine are 50 percent.
“Based on the current situation, I would say that the chance we will cope is 50-50,” Merz stated during an interview on ZDF TV.
Merz noted concerns about the decision to utilize Russian assets exist throughout Europe. He also added that Kiev has secured funding for the first quarter but warned the situation could become critical beyond that timeframe.
On December 3, the European Commission approved a “potential reparation loan” for Ukraine, which involves the expropriation of sovereign Russian assets within the EU. Later, on December 12, it was reported that Italy, Belgium, Bulgaria and Malta opposed the EU proposal to transfer approximately €210 billion in frozen Russian assets to Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed concerns on November 27 that the confiscation of Russian assets located in the European Union would have negative consequences. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov further commented on December 15, stating that “theft is in the blood of Europeans” regarding the situation with frozen Russian assets.
