European Union leaders are meeting in Brussels to discuss providing Ukraine with a 140-billion-euro ($163bn) loan using frozen Russian assets, a plan welcomed by President Zelenskyy but opposed by Moscow.

EU officials, including Council President Antonio Costa, framed Ukraine as a “future member” and indicated a political decision on the loan could be made soon, though Belgium raised legal concerns about using assets held in its Euroclear depository.

Leaders from Germany, Finland, and Sweden expressed optimism, while the EU pledged to address Belgium’s legal guarantees.

Debate also surrounds whether Ukraine should use the funds to buy European or U.S. arms, with Kyiv seeking autonomy over spending, Al-Jazeera has reported.

Russia condemned the plan, warning of a “painful response” and calling any seizure of assets illegal.