Blank Check? EU’s Gamble with Ukraine

In this in-depth report, we examine the latest proposals from the European Commission under Ursula von der Leyen — a sweeping “blank check” to Ukraine in the form of a proposed €135–140 billion support package for 2026-2027. We analyse the Commission’s letter to EU member states, laying out the three funding options: national grants, EU-wide borrowing, or a massive loan backed by frozen Russian central bank assets. We also explore the growing controversy: legal and political objections from some EU states, especially Belgium — home to most frozen Russian assets — and concerns about financial risks, sovereignty, and long-term EU commitment. Finally, we put this proposal into the wider context: what it means for Ukraine’s war effort, reconstruction, EU unity, and the geopolitical balance with Russia — and ask: is it a necessary lifeline, or a dangerous gamble?

This is ENDtv, bringing you news, politics, current events, and culture!

Check out our channel here: https://rumble.com/c/ENDtv
Don’t forget to like, share, comment and subscribe!

Follow us on:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EveryNewDayTV
Kick: https://kick.com/everynewday
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everynewdaytv
X: https://x.com/EveryNewDayTV
Discord: https://discord.gg/endtv

Sources:
• “Ursula von der Leyen Pledges Blank Check to Ukraine” — The European Conservative: https://europeanconservative.com/articles/analysis/ursula-von-der-leyen-pledges-blank-check-to-ukraine/ (European Conservative)
• “Von der Leyen urges EU countries to plug €135bn gap for Ukraine” — Euronews: https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/11/17/no-easy-options-von-der-leyen-urges-eu-countries-to-plug-135bn-gap-for-ukraine (euronews)
• Reuters: “EU’s von der Leyen says three options or combination could finance Ukraine” — https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/eus-von-der-leyen-says-three-options-or-combination-could-finance-ukraine-2025-11-17/ (Reuters)
• Irish Times: “Ukraine in ‘urgent’ need of funds, von der Leyen warns EU leaders” — https://www.irishtimes.com/business/economy/2025/11/17/ukraine-in-urgent-need-of-funds-von-der-leyen-warns-eu-leaders/ (The Irish Times)
• YouTube short: “‘No easy options’: Von der Leyen urges EU countries to plug €135bn gap for Ukraine” — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDUY7Lp40j8