Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on European Union leaders to urgently agree on a multi-billion euro freeze of Russian assets to support Ukraine’s military and economic needs.

Speaking ahead of the Brussels summit, Zelenskyy warned that Ukraine’s cash reserves are dwindling and that without additional funding in the coming months, the country “will have to reduce drone production.” He added that Ukraine faces a projected budget deficit of 45–50 billion euros next year.

Most of Russia’s estimated 245 billion euros in EU assets are held by the Belgian-based Euroclear. Moscow has warned EU leaders against using the funds, while Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said “we must seize the opportunity.” Russia has also filed a lawsuit in a Moscow court seeking to recover the assets.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she was confident the summit would produce a solution, stating, “We will not leave the summit without reaching a solution.” The talks come at a critical stage of the war, as Ukraine seeks to secure financial and military backing amid escalating conflict.