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Kallas pushes for Belgium’s backing on Russian assets plan for Ukraine
(MENAFN) EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on Monday emphasized the importance of securing Belgium’s approval as the bloc prepares for a meeting to decide whether frozen Russian state assets should be used to support Ukraine.
"We will not leave the meeting (on Thursday) before we get results, before we get the decision on the funding for Ukraine. The most credible option is the reparations loan, and this is what we are working on," Kallas told reporters as EU foreign ministers gathered in Brussels.
She noted that the reparations loan would send a “clear signal” that countries responsible for damage must bear the costs of reparations. Highlighting Belgium’s role, Kallas stressed, "Without Belgium, (...) it wouldn't be very easy, because they have the majority of the assets, and I think it's important that they are on board."
As talks on a potential ceasefire and broader peace framework continue, Kallas underscored the need for "tangible" security guarantees for Ukraine. "They can't be papers or promises. They have to be real troops, real capabilities so that Ukraine is able to defend itself," she said.
Addressing Russia’s demands for Ukraine’s withdrawal from the Donbas region as part of ceasefire negotiations, Kallas warned that the region is not Moscow's "end game." "If it gets Donbas, then the fortress is down, and then they definitely move on with taking the whole of Ukraine," she stated.
Kallas also called for a lasting and sustainable peace, cautioning against any compromise that might appease the aggressor. "If aggression is rewarded, we will see more of it. We have seen this in history, and that is extremely important, and there has to be accountability for the crimes committed," she added.
Concerns over the plan to use frozen Russian assets have been raised by several EU member states, particularly Belgium, which holds most of the funds through Euroclear. Russia’s central bank has deemed the move illegal and warned it may take steps to protect its interests.
Recently, the EU moved to "indefinitely immobilize" Russian assets, while leaders are scheduled to finalize a decision on allocating the funds to Ukraine at a Brussels summit on December 18-19, according to reports.
"We will not leave the meeting (on Thursday) before we get results, before we get the decision on the funding for Ukraine. The most credible option is the reparations loan, and this is what we are working on," Kallas told reporters as EU foreign ministers gathered in Brussels.
She noted that the reparations loan would send a “clear signal” that countries responsible for damage must bear the costs of reparations. Highlighting Belgium’s role, Kallas stressed, "Without Belgium, (...) it wouldn't be very easy, because they have the majority of the assets, and I think it's important that they are on board."
As talks on a potential ceasefire and broader peace framework continue, Kallas underscored the need for "tangible" security guarantees for Ukraine. "They can't be papers or promises. They have to be real troops, real capabilities so that Ukraine is able to defend itself," she said.
Addressing Russia’s demands for Ukraine’s withdrawal from the Donbas region as part of ceasefire negotiations, Kallas warned that the region is not Moscow's "end game." "If it gets Donbas, then the fortress is down, and then they definitely move on with taking the whole of Ukraine," she stated.
Kallas also called for a lasting and sustainable peace, cautioning against any compromise that might appease the aggressor. "If aggression is rewarded, we will see more of it. We have seen this in history, and that is extremely important, and there has to be accountability for the crimes committed," she added.
Concerns over the plan to use frozen Russian assets have been raised by several EU member states, particularly Belgium, which holds most of the funds through Euroclear. Russia’s central bank has deemed the move illegal and warned it may take steps to protect its interests.
Recently, the EU moved to "indefinitely immobilize" Russian assets, while leaders are scheduled to finalize a decision on allocating the funds to Ukraine at a Brussels summit on December 18-19, according to reports.
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