EU Ministers Clash Over Trump–Putin Summit and Push to Use Frozen Russian Assets for Ukraine
#FrozenAssets #Sanctions #TrumpPutinMeeting
At the Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg on 20 October 2025, European ministers voiced sharp warnings about the planned Trump–Putin summit in Budapest and debated the EU’s legal framework for using frozen Russian assets to rebuild Ukraine.
Lithuania’s Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys was the first to respond to growing unease about the meeting, which is reportedly being hosted by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. When asked whether such a meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin was appropriate on EU soil, Budrys was blunt: “The only place for Putin in Europe is The Hague, in front of the tribunal, not in any of our capitals.”
Pressed by reporters on whether Lithuania would take steps to prevent Putin’s presence, Budrys added, “I cannot imagine him crossing our airspace.” His remarks underscored the Baltic states’ firm position that Europe must not legitimize Putin while he is under an ICC arrest warrant for war crimes in Ukraine.
Latvia’s Foreign Minister Baiba Braže also took a strong tone, linking Europe’s moral stance on Russia to financial measures. She confirmed that the EU’s 19th sanctions package is effectively complete but blocked by one unnamed member state, which she criticized for “holding the process hostage for unrelated issues.” On the question of using frozen Russian assets, Braže said: “Politically, everyone understands those assets won’t be going back to Russia. The question is how to use them efficiently for Ukraine’s defense.” She urged all EU members to contribute to Ukraine’s priority defense list, saying, “It’s not about words, it’s about deeds and actions.”
Finland’s Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen echoed support for the reparations mechanism, clarifying that the assets would serve as collateral for loans, not outright confiscation. “This is not about seizing assets, but using them to fund Ukraine’s recovery. If Russia refuses to pay for the damage it caused, there will be legal means to use those funds,” she explained. Valtonen also acknowledged Belgium’s concerns over financial stability, adding that legal frameworks can balance justice with fiscal responsibility.
Asked about the Budapest meeting, Valtonen stressed that Europe must be involved in any talks affecting the continent’s security: “If there’s anything on the agenda concerning Europe — and clearly the war in Ukraine does — Europe must have a seat at the table.”
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas reiterated that peace cannot come at Ukraine’s expense. “President Trump is sincere in trying to end this war,” she said, “but the only side not wanting peace is Russia. Nothing can come out of these meetings if Ukraine or Europe is not part of it.”
0:00 Kęstutis BUDRYS, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Lithuania
0:46 Baiba BRAŽE, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia
2:06 Elina VALTONEN, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland
4:36 Kaja KALLAS, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
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