By Independent News Roundup
What really happened in Brussels? On the surface, the European Union’s decision to approve a €90 billion loan to Ukraine looks like a bold show of unity. But beneath the headlines lies a far more complex story of political fear, legal risk, fractured EU consensus, and a quiet retreat from the most aggressive options once on the table.
After 15 hours of intense overnight negotiations, EU leaders agreed to an interest-free, EU-budget-backed loan for Ukraine over the next two years. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the funds are intended for Ukraine’s military capabilities, not humanitarian aid—underscoring Europe’s continued role in financing the war effort.
In this video, we break down:
Why the EU refused to seize frozen Russian assets—for now
How Belgium and Prime Minister Bart De Wever blocked the most radical proposal
Why Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic opted out—and were allowed to
What the talk of “reparations” really means—and why it may be wishful thinking
How Russia’s €18 trillion ruble lawsuit against Euroclear changes the legal battlefield
Why EU diplomats privately admit this was about “saving face,” not saving Ukraine
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