Trump puts pressure on the EU by blocking funding for Ukraine

European leaders are under immense pressure from the United States ahead of a key summit in Brussels to discuss the fate of a “reparations loan” for Ukraine.

As Politico writes , the dispute over the use of frozen Russian assets to finance Kyiv has revealed deep divisions within the EU over how to respond to US pressure and shape a new world order.

“They are trying to weaken our position,” said a senior EU official familiar with the situation.

The main task this week for the European Council is to show concrete results regarding financing Ukraine, while defending the interests of the EU itself, where the White House is actively interfering.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned that without an agreement on financing Ukraine, the European Union’s authority will be undermined for years to come.

The Trump administration has been actively pressuring European governments to abandon a plan to use 210 billion euros in frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine, according to the newspaper. Representatives of four EU countries who participated in the discussions confirmed this.

Earlier, during an October meeting in Brussels, EU countries were unable to agree on the use of the funds, in particular due to objections from Belgium. Politico notes that the main reason was not individual countries, but US pressure.

Belgian Prime Minister Bart de Wever is crucial, as his country is home to most of the frozen assets. The European Commission and key capitals are trying to reach an agreement with the Belgian government, but negotiations have become more difficult in recent weeks and the chances of success have not improved.

Politico emphasizes that Ukraine is in dire need of funds: the country’s budget deficit could reach 71.7 billion euros in 2026. Delays in funding would lead to cuts in public spending, which threatens to undermine the country’s morale and ability to defend itself.

According to the publication, the Trump administration actively negotiated with European capitals, bypassing Brussels, which led to Italy, Bulgaria, Malta, and the Czech Republic joining the group of countries opposing funding for Ukraine.

European officials warn that the failure of the negotiations could seriously undermine the EU’s position on the international stage.

Manfred Weber, leader of the European People’s Party, said that the US is no longer fulfilling its role as the leader of the free world, and the Trump administration is distancing itself from the EU.

Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal noted that Ukraine needs to have a clear understanding of Europe’s support and not agree to an unprofitable deal.

One option is the so-called “nuclear” approach: making decisions by qualified majority, even if individual countries object. Another option is to provide limited bilateral loans by individual states. Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina noted that Belgium’s participation is important, but if qualified majority becomes the only option, it can be used.

As a reminder, the European Parliament is preparing to approve the so-called reparations loan to Ukraine under an accelerated procedure after the decision of EU leaders to use frozen Russian assets.

As reported, European officials, trying to convince the Belgian government to agree to finance Ukraine with frozen Russian assets , held negotiations until late at night, but Brussels is demanding additional guarantees.

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