German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Thursday (4 December) firmly rejected U.S. proposals to use Russian assets frozen in the European Union for the benefit of the United States, emphasising that these funds should be directed to support Ukraine.
Speaking in Berlin, Merz described the issue as a "European matter" and stated that there is no way to economically transfer these mobilised funds to the U.S.
"This money must go to Ukraine," Merz told reporters. "The American government knows this, and it is the consensus at the European level. There are no differences whatsoever on this issue."
The U.S. has expressed its desire to use some of the frozen Russian assets for Ukraine's defence and reconstruction. However, as part of the peace plan it suggests using the funds in a way that would see the United States profit from an investment vehicle - a move that is contentious with European allies.
Merz said that while the United States might have legitimate interests in such a proposal, it is not the aim of the operation Europe intends to launch.
"The Americans partly agree with this," he acknowledged, "but it is not the aim of the operation that we want to launch together in Europe in the next few days."
The European Commission, the European Union's executive body, has proposed a "reparations loan" using Russian state assets frozen in the EU following Russia’s invasion. However, Belgium, which holds the majority of the assets, has raised various legal concerns and remains unconvinced by the plan.
Merz, who has voiced support for the plan but also said the risks should be borne by all EU countries - not just Belgium, will be in Brussels on Friday to discuss the issue.
"I hope it will be a fruitful conversation and that we will find a solution that we can then present to Europe over the next two weeks," Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever told local media outlets.
Merz’s strong stance is in line with the German government's negotiating position, which insists that the money mobilised from these assets should flow directly to Ukraine to aid in its ongoing recovery and defence amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Moscow has described the use of its frozen assets as "theft" and argue's that the EU has no legal grounds.
On Friday (5 December), Merz is set to meet with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever to persuade him to abandon his opposition to using the frozen Russian assets to secure a €165 billion loan for Ukraine. This decision is expected to be a key topic of discussion at an upcoming European Union summit in Brussels, where leaders from the 27 EU member states will meet 18 - 19 December to finalise their stance on the issue.
Germany’s finance minister has urged a new era of “European patriotism” to protect the continent’s economic interests, calling for state-backe...
France is considering the possibility of supplying Eutelsat satellite terminals to Iran to help citizens regain internet access after Iranian authorit...
President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, announced on Wednesday the launch of phase two of the Gaza plan, which includes the establish...
Sweden is sending a group of military officers to Greenland at Denmark’s request, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said on Wednesday, as Nordic countr...
FBI agents searched the home of the Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson, on Wednesday, 14 January, as part of an investigation into the alleged s...
India and Germany have agreed a range of deals to deepen cooperation between the two nations, with defence, trade and technology high on the agenda.
A Welt am Sonntag investigation, published in December 2025, has caused a stir in Germany, revealing that Chancellor Friedrich Merz initiated nearly 5,000 criminal complaints over online insults directed at him since 2021.
European countries and the United States presented a united front in support of Ukraine, unveiling security guarantees backed by Washington and a detailed plan for long-term assistance contingent on a ceasefire with Russia.
As Europe grapples with how to best support Ukraine in its ongoing battle against Russian aggression, key meetings in Brussels and Berlin are testing the continent's resolve.
Real Madrid have parted ways with coach Xabi Alonso, appointing former defender Álvaro Arbeloa as his replacement.
The Trump administration will suspend all visa processing for visitors from 75 countries beginning 21 January 2026, according to a State Department memo reported by media.
The U.S. has issued an urgent security notice calling all American citizens to leave Iran immediately, citing escalating protests, growing violence and widespread communication shutdowns across the country.
The United Nations’ top court at The Hague has begun hearings on whether Myanmar committed genocide against the Rohingya ethnic minority. Gambia told judges on Monday that Myanmar targeted minority Muslim Rohingya for destruction and made their lives a nightmare in a landmark case.
President Donald Trump said on Monday any country that does business with Iran will face a tariff rate of 25% on trade with the U.S., as Washington weighs a response to the situation in Iran which is seeing its biggest anti-government protests in years.
Germany’s finance minister has urged a new era of “European patriotism” to protect the continent’s economic interests, calling for state-backed companies to retain jobs in Europe and for public spending to prioritise European-made goods.
France is considering the possibility of supplying Eutelsat satellite terminals to Iran to help citizens regain internet access after Iranian authorities imposed widespread online blackouts in an attempt to suppress the most severe domestic unrest the country has seen in decades.
President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, announced on Wednesday the launch of phase two of the Gaza plan, which includes the establishment of a technocratic Palestinian administration in the enclave.
Sweden is sending a group of military officers to Greenland at Denmark’s request, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said on Wednesday, as Nordic countries and NATO allies step up coordination around the Arctic territory.
FBI agents searched the home of the Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson, on Wednesday, 14 January, as part of an investigation into the alleged sharing of classified government information.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment