Ursula von der Leyen defended the EU’s push to use frozen Russian assets to fund a new reparations-linked loan for Ukraine, insisting the plan is legally sound and backed by strong safeguards despite Belgium’s objections. She said the proposal would cover most of Kyiv’s financing needs for 2026–27 and strengthen Ukraine’s defense industry while spreading financial risk fairly among member states. Brussels argues the move will increase pressure on Moscow and bolster Europe’s long-term commitment to Kyiv, even as critics warn it could expose the EU to economic and geopolitical retaliation and weaken leverage in future peace talks.