EU weighs new plan to tap frozen Russian assets for Ukraine

The European Union's 90 billion euro loan package for Ukraine is insufficient, forcing Brussels to seek new funding, with attention again turning to frozen Russian central bank assets. Ukrainian Finance Minister Serhi Martšenko admitted the package is not enough as the war intensifies. The original loan, agreed in December after 16 hours of negotiations, was meant to cover two years of needs, but allied contributions fell short and Ukraine's costs have grown due to Russian attacks on infrastructure and grain exports. Kyiv needs tens of billions more next year, a topic for Friday's EU summit. A new proposal would move frozen assets from Belgium's Euroclear to a new EU vehicle to share risk, but experts warn of legal issues and market backlash. Some diplomats doubt the plan will succeed, suggesting alternative funding methods may be needed.