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European Union finance ministers are meeting in the EU capital this morning to address the union's financial agenda, featuring the increasingly urgent issue of funding for Ukraine.

Ukraine's President Warns Country's Survival Depends on Partners

Kyiv's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared in a recent discussion that the country's survival depended on obtaining additional financial aid from allies.

“We trust, with luck, we will get this decision,” he told media outlets. Otherwise, “We will have to find an alternative, it’s a question of our surviving. For this reason it is essential very much. And I count on our allies.”

European Authorities Pushes for €140bn Compensation Funding

The EU executive still hopes to persuade participating countries – including Belgium, that is currently blocking the plan amid legal fears – to move ahead on a €140 billion reparations loan using Moscow's immobilized funds.

Commission president Ursula von der Leyen insisted this morning that this represents “the optimal method to sustain Ukraine’s defence and national finances.”

Resolution Delayed Until December Meeting

A final decision on the issue has been deferred until the EU leaders’s summit in December, as the financial support needed early next year.

Discussions Coincide with Bribery Allegations in Ukraine

But these discussions are happening during a difficult moment for Kyiv, as the president had to move to address rising popular anger in Ukraine regarding a bribery incident in the energy sector, dismissing two ministers allegedly involved in involvement in a extensive bribery scheme.

Danish finance leader Stephanie Lose was questioned on her response to the scandal, and affirmed that there was commitment to continue supporting Ukraine.

“Naturally, Ukraine will have to persistently focus with improvements, strengthening every sector of the nation [and] including anti-corruption … but there shouldn’t be any doubt that Europe stands firmly behind Kyiv,” she stated.

Other EU Events Monitored

Separately, observers will be monitoring the Netherlands where the legislature convenes to examine potential ways ahead in the coalition talks, the Italy-Albania consultations in the Italian capital offering the latest chance to enjoy the remarkable leadership interplay, and a series of high-level meetings throughout the continent, including Nato’s the secretary general's visit to a military installation in Germany.

Lots for us to report on.

It’s Thursday, November 13, 2025, and we bring you Europe Live.

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