Belgium explained its position on Russia's frozen assets
/88x88/filters:format(webp)/p/0/c6/fa26b000e2fd33eee2385d7b63306c60.webp "Olga Shendetska")
/88x88/filters:format(webp)/p/5/70/6511266e5e5822a9f31e393ff56d0705.webp "Yeva Slastnova")
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Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot stated that the country's restraint regarding the use of frozen Russian assets does not mean a reluctance to help Ukraine or support for Russia.
He made these remarks at a press conference with his Ukrainian counterpart Andriy Sybiga in Kyiv, according to a “Shelter” correspondent.
The diplomat emphasized that Belgium has been an ally of Ukraine from day one and will remain so. At the same time, consulting a team of lawyers revealed serious legal and financial risks, particularly systemic risks for European financial markets.
If all European countries or non-EU countries do indeed decide to forge ahead… it is absolutely essential to agree in advance on the terms of collective solidarity. Otherwise, if Belgium is ordered by a court in 10 or 15 years to return all these funds, it will not be able to shoulder the burden of paying more than 200 billion euros on its own.
Maxime Prévot Belgian Foreign Minister
The diplomat added that such solidarity has never been specified, presumably because other countries are also aware of the risks and did not want to share them.
However, Belgium welcomed the decision by European countries to provide a 90-billion-euro loan for the period 2025–2027.
I understand Ukraine’s concerns regarding the period after 2027. There is also a legitimate discussion about retaining this amount as leverage in negotiations for a potential peace agreement, which should compel Russia to cover all or part of the damages it has caused
Maxime Prévot Belgian Foreign Minister
The Belgian Foreign Minister noted that the country has heard statements from some capitals and hopes that the issue of Russia’s frozen assets will return to the negotiating table. The risks have not disappeared, but there is no fundamental refusal to use these funds for Ukraine’s benefit—a legally sound approach is needed.
We will need to bring in experts to find a legally sound approach that mitigates all risks. Under no circumstances should this issue give the impression that Belgium has fundamental doubts about assisting Ukraine
Maxime Prévot Belgian Foreign Minister
As a reminder, in April, the European Union released €90 billion for Ukraine over two years. This package is intended to cover the state budget deficit, support social programs, and procure weapons. The first tranches began arriving in the summer of 2026.
To receive the tranche, Kyiv had to fulfill a number of conditions, including submitting a bill on the taxation of low-cost imported parcels and updating customs legislation.
Ukraine has determined its priorities for using the macro-financial assistance from the EU. The main focus is on domestic weapons production.
Authors
Olga Shendetska news feed editor
All materialsShe studied at Tavria State University. She has been working in journalism since 2019. She worked for the Israeli publication "Cursor" and as an editor for the financial website Traders Union.
Yeva Slastnova journalist
All materialsShe studied at the School of Journalism at the Boris Grinchenko Kyiv Metropolitan University, majoring in "International Journalism." She worked at NV for three years.