Ukraine sees increasing willingness among European allies to reopen discussions on using €210 billion in Russian central bank assets immobilized in the EU since the war began. The assets are largely held by Brussels-based depository Euroclear, while Belgium has resisted their use because of potential Russian retaliation or litigation. Ukraine needs an additional €27 billion ($31 billion) for defense spending in 2026 and faces a budget deficit of more than $32 billion this year. Finance Minister Serhii Marchenko said Kyiv was discussing whether some assets could be placed under different legal jurisdictions, making responsibility for disputes a joint matter for all 27 EU members rather than Belgium alone. Belgium said its position remained unchanged. Ukraine plans to cover this year’s deficit with EU and other partner funding, expects a similar amount to be needed for 2027, and is discussing next year’s budget with the International Monetary Fund.