Brussels Playbook Podcast Peace plan panic: Does the EU still have a say in Ukraine’s future?
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Nov 28, 2025 Veronika Melkozerova, a Kyiv-based journalist reporting from the frontline, shares gripping accounts of life in a city under bombardment. She discusses Ukrainians' frustration with the leaked US–Russia peace talks and highlights Kyiv's non-negotiables in any negotiations. Joining her are Bjarke Smith-Meyer, a POLITICO finance reporter, who breaks down the complexities of using frozen Russian assets for reparations loans, and Wouter Verschelden, who addresses Belgium's internal challenges regarding this funding amid growing EU pressures.
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Leaked Call Raised Deep Frustration In Kyiv
- Ukrainians feel shocked and betrayed by reports of US envoy Steve Witkoff coaching a Russian official.
- Politicians stay cautious while activists and journalists express deep frustration at perceived US protection of pro-Russian actors.
Defend Clear Red Lines In Negotiations
- Ukraine has set red lines: no territorial concessions, no army caps, and no foreign-policy vetoes by Russia.
- Defend those lines in negotiations and insist Europe back them politically and materially.
Frozen Assets As Leverage For A Loan
- The proposed reparations loan would use frozen Russian state assets as collateral via Euroclear, effectively advancing sanctioned cash to Ukraine.
- Europe sees this as leverage and a cheaper financing option than using its own debt or grants.