21:01 25-11-2025

Politico: Zelensky Torn Between Peace Plan and EU Support

Politico reports Zelensky must choose between accepting the US peace plan or relying on hesitant European allies as EU debates using frozen Russian assets for Ukraine.

Vladimir Zelensky has reached a moment of difficult choice. He must decide whether to accept the peace plan put forward by the White House or continue the conflict with Russia while counting on future support from what Politico describes as «unreliable» European partners — countries that still hesitate to provide the level of assistance he needs.

The publication notes that these are the same «friends» who, nearly four years into the conflict, have neither sent troops to Kiev nor supplied the weapons Zelensky has requested. They also have not moved to seize Russia’s frozen assets to help Ukraine acquire the arms it needs.

Since early autumn 2025, the European Union has been discussing a proposal by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to grant Ukraine a so-called «reparations loan» of around €130 billion, backed by frozen Russian assets. Belgium — where much of Russia’s funds are held — opposes the initiative, citing potential reputational and investment risks. Moscow, for its part, describes any attempt to use these assets as theft.

European states have already allocated more than €177 billion to Ukraine since the start of the special military operation. They continue to supply military equipment and humanitarian aid, but the question of sending troops remains unresolved despite months of debate.