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European Union finance ministers are gathering in the EU capital this morning to tackle the union's financial agenda, including the pressing question of funding for Ukraine.

Ukraine's President States Country's Existence Relies on Allies

Kyiv's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated in a latest interview that the country's survival depended on receiving more funds from international partners.

“We trust, God bless, we will get this decision,” he stated to media outlets. Otherwise, “It will be necessary to seek an alternative, it’s a question of our surviving. That’s why it is essential very much. And I count on our allies.”

European Authorities Advocates €140bn Compensation Funding

The European Commission continues to aim to persuade participating countries – and Belgium, which is currently blocking the plan amid juridical concerns – to proceed with a €140bn financial compensation using frozen Russian assets.

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen insisted this morning that this represents “the most effective way to support Ukraine’s defence and its economy.”

Resolution Delayed Until December Summit

A definitive resolution on the matter has been postponed until the EU leaders’s summit in the last month, with the funding needed at the start of the coming year.

Discussions Coincide with Corruption Scandal in Kyiv

But the talks come at a difficult moment for Kyiv, as the president had to move to address rising popular anger in Ukraine regarding a corruption scandal in the energy sector, dismissing several officials who are accused of participating in a extensive corruption network.

Denmark's finance leader Stephanie Lose was questioned on her reaction to the scandal, and affirmed that there was commitment to continue supporting Ukraine.

“Of course, The country will have to continuously work with reforms, reinforcing every sector of the nation [and] including anti-corruption … but it is clear that Europe stands firmly with Kyiv,” she said.

Additional European Events Under Watch

Separately, analysts will be monitoring the Netherlands where the legislature convenes to discuss possible directions in the coalition talks, the Italy-Albania consultations in the Italian capital giving us the most recent opportunity to witness the remarkable Meloni-Rama dynamics, and a number of top-tier meetings throughout the continent, including Nato’s the secretary general's trip to a military installation in Germany.

Lots for us to cover.

Today is Thursday, 13 November 2025, and we bring you European Updates.

Good morning.