While the world draws "red lines," Kyiv is changing the rules of the game. Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha has directly urged the European Union to adopt a reparations loan for Ukraine — and laid out five reasons why action is needed immediately. This is not just a diplomatic statement; it is an attempt to turn the enemy's frozen assets into real protection for our home.
Five reasons that change the calculation
Sybiha published the arguments in English on the social platform X. He explained that such a step would have both an immediate and a long-term effect — from a strategic signal to Moscow to restoring our combat capability and morale. Here is briefly what he named:
- Putin is convinced of Europe's disunity; a reparations loan will shatter that illusion and force Moscow to reassess its calculations.
- It will strengthen Europe's sovereignty and unity as a geopolitical force, showing that aggression has a cost.
- The move will provide long-term support for Ukraine, increase our self-sufficiency, and bolster morale at a critical moment.
- It is a matter of justice: the aggressor should pay for the damage, not EU taxpayers; it sets an example for all potential aggressors in the world.
- Full use of frozen assets does not undermine the peace process — on the contrary, it strengthens Ukraine's position at the negotiating table and increases pressure on Moscow.
"Moscow is simply selling fear, as it usually does ahead of serious measures to counter its aggression"
– Andriy Sybiha, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Why this matters right now
On December 3, the European Commission proposed using up to €210 billion of the Russian Central Bank's frozen assets. This is not a theoretical discussion — it is a concrete tool. Western analysts and insiders are already calling such a plan a potential turning point in support for Ukraine. The world is stunned by the scale of the opportunity, and everyone is asking whether there will be enough political will to seize it.
What it will give Ukraine
A reparations loan is not just a tranche of money. It is a signal to our defenders that the international community stands with us for years to come. It is an opportunity to invest in weapons, infrastructure, and rebuilding without shifting the burden onto ordinary Europeans. Experts stress: such an initiative would strengthen Ukraine both economically and diplomatically.
"If the EU goes down this path, it could become a historic precedent that alters the calculus of aggressors in the 21st century"
– Western analysts
What happens next
The decision on the reparations loan is scheduled to be considered at the summit on December 18–19. While Moscow stokes fears about financial instability and alleged violations of the rule of law, Sybiha reminds that compensation for damage is in line with international law and UN General Assembly resolutions. This is a historic moment: either Europe turns frozen assets into a means of restoring justice, or it lets go of the chance to strengthen our common security.
The world is watching. Those on the front lines believe in the support. Now it is up to European political will to take the step that will change the rules of the game forever.
