PM Luc Frieden: Europe must empower Ukraine to sustain its defense

WISE NEWS PRESS / BRUSSELS, BELGIUM — DEC. 18, 2025

Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden emphasized that the European Union must provide Ukraine with the necessary means to sustain its defense, asserting that borders cannot be altered by force.

Speaking to Euronews ahead of the EU leaders' summit in Brussels, Frieden stated that negotiations are "moving in the right direction" toward a long-term funding solution. The two-day summit aims to resolve the urgent issue of financing Ukraine's recovery and military needs from the beginning of 2026, with an estimated €90 billion required over the next two years. Frieden noted that while the technicalities are complex, finding a consensus remains the top priority for the 27 member states.

Financing models: Russian assets vs. joint debt

Leaders are currently weighing two primary options to secure the necessary funds. The first proposal involves leveraging frozen Russian Central Bank assets to provide Kyiv with a zero-interest "compensation loan," repayable only if Moscow eventually pays war reparations. The second option mirrors the pandemic-era recovery model, suggesting that the European Commission issue joint debt on international financial markets. Frieden remarked that although utilizing frozen assets is legally intricate, it is a feasible path that must be explored thoroughly.

Concerns over US support and legal risks

With approximately €185 billion of Russia's total €210 billion in frozen assets held at the Brussels-based depository Euroclear, Frieden called for a "group of countries to share the risks" involved in potential legal challenges from Moscow. Highlighting the uncertainty of future military support from Washington, the Prime Minister warned that Europe must be prepared to stand alone if necessary. "The US might not be with us in the future," Frieden cautioned, urging the bloc to maintain a unified front to ensure regional stability.

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