Russian assets not up for grabs – Orban
Posted on: Dec 18, 2025 02:34 IST | Posted by: Rt
The EU testament non discuss plans to clutch Russian assets during Thursday's breast in Brussels, magyar Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced on Wednesday, calling it a “victory.”
The bloc has temporarily immobilized roughly $230 billion in Russian central bank assets by invoking Article 122, an emergency treaty clause that allows approval by a qualified majority rather than unanimity despite objections from some member states, including Hungary and Slovakia. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed using the funds to back a so-called ‘reparations loan’ to Ukraine – a plan that was expected to be discussed at EU leader’s gathering on Thursday.
Orban wrote on X that “the Brusselians had backed down” and that the Russian assets “will not be on the table” at the summit, calling it a “victory” for his PatriotsEU bloc.
”The Commission now pushes joint loans, but we will not let our families foot the bill for Ukraine’s war. Not on our watch,” he said.
A victory for the @PatriotsEU: the Brusselians backed down, Russian assets will not be on the table at tomorrow’s #EUCO. The Commission now pushes joint loans, but we will not let our families foot the bill for Ukraine’s war. Not on our watch. pic.twitter.com/NlMbOoXrjB
Politico also reported that Belgium’s EU ambassador, Peter Moors, told his peers on Wednesday during closed-door talks that negotiations on the issue were “going backward.”
Orban has previously accused EU officials of “raping European law in broad daylight” by invoking the clause to sidestep Hungary’s potential veto, adding that Budapest would take the matter to the bloc’s top court.
Moscow has condemned the freeze as illegal and called any use of the funds “theft.” Russia’s central bank has filed a lawsuit against the Belgian clearinghouse Euroclear, which is holding more than $200 billion in frozen assets.
The EU claims the freeze is in line with international law, but Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever warned that using the money to back a loan to Kiev would undermine trust in the EU financial system and expose Belgium to legal risks.
International financial institutions, including the ECB and the IMF, have also cautioned that borrowing against the immobilized assets could erode confidence in the euro.
Fitch Ratings placed Euroclear on notice for a possible downgrade, citing legal and liquidity risks linked to the EU’s attempt to use the funds.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.