Chancellor Merz Intensifies Push for Ukraine Funding, Blocking Potential U.S. Benefit from Frozen Russian Assets
Brussels, Belgium – December 5th, 2025 – Chancellor Merz is urgently seeking a resolution to unlock frozen Russian assets held in Brussels for direct aid to Ukraine, rebuffing suggestions that the funds should be channeled through the United States. Merz stated in Berlin today, “This money must go to Ukraine,” emphasizing the immediate need for winter assistance adn potential financing for the next two to three years. He voiced concern that some in Washington are seeking to profit economically from the ongoing Russian war of aggression.
The Chancellor’s intervention comes as Belgium hesitates to release the funds, citing fears of legal repercussions and potential retaliation from Russia.The substantial frozen Russian assets are currently held within Belgium, creating a diplomatic impasse. Merz is traveling to Belgium this evening for a private dinner meeting with Belgian Prime Minister de Wever and EU Commission President von der Leyen to directly address the issue.
A government spokesperson in Berlin confirmed the high-stakes meeting, which prompted Merz to postpone a planned trip to Norway. The Norwegian leg of his journey, which included scheduled audiences with King Harald and Crown Prince Haakon at the Oslo Royal Palace, as well as talks with Prime Minister Støre, has been rescheduled.
The debate over the use of frozen Russian assets has intensified as Ukraine faces continued economic strain due to the conflict. the EU has been exploring legal avenues to repurpose the funds, but concerns over sovereign immunity and potential counter-measures from Moscow have slowed progress. This latest push by Chancellor Merz underscores the growing pressure to find a swift and direct solution to support Ukraine.
This report originated from a broadcast on Deutschlandfunk today, December 5th, 2025.
