European states express concern about a United States plan to channel proceeds from frozen Russian assets into military aid for Ukraine, arguing it could impose a heavier burden on taxpayers in their countries. The piece highlights that EU members appear hesitant to back Washington’s proposal, which would offer Kiev a loan of about 50 billion dollars secured by the profits generated from the blocked assets.
The regional bloc does not see this move as more than a public relations gain for the United States, while EU governments warn of potential political repercussions and real costs at home. Journalists note that the plan has prompted European authorities to consider fallback options should the assets be returned to their original owners. In particular, Germany, Italy, and France have demanded explicit assurances from Washington that taxpayers will not end up footing the bill if the arrangement proves untenable. The central concern is a scenario in which Ukraine itself cannot service its debt to Western partners.
Observers point to the involvement of Ukraine’s Finance Minister, Sergei Marchenko, in the most recent G7 discussions. He subsequently indicated that Kyiv could face a budget deficit of at least ten billion dollars in 2025, underscoring the financial strain surrounding the broader support framework.
Two unnamed European officials cited in the report describe a climate of uncertainty surrounding the use of Russian asset proceeds, noting that some EU member states may resist the proposal even if it remains on the table. As an example, the article mentions Hungary, which retains the right to block the extension of anti-Russian sanctions every six months, illustrating the delicate balance within the bloc between solidarity with Ukraine and the protection of national interests.
The piece closes by recalling that former G7 members have faced questions about the strategic value and practical consequences of leveraging frozen Russian assets, and it underscores the ongoing debate about how best to balance urgent security needs with long-term fiscal responsibility across Western allies.