Global News Podcast Crunch talks in Brussels on Russia's frozen assets
25 snips
Dec 18, 2025 
James Waterhouse, a Brussels-based BBC correspondent, discusses the EU's crucial negotiations on using frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine. He highlights Belgium's legal concerns and the urgent need for funding amidst the backdrop of ongoing conflict. Jonathan Beale, a BBC defense correspondent, shares insights from his rare visits to Ukrainian factories producing long-range missiles and drones, emphasizing their rapid expansion and drive for self-sufficiency. Together, they explore the intersection of finance, security, and innovation in wartime.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Frozen Assets Divide EU Leaders
- EU leaders debated using frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's survival, revealing political and legal divisions.
- Belgium's legal fears and potential Russian reprisals make the proposal legally and politically fraught.
Prepare A Realistic Plan B For Ukraine
- Consider a Plan B: support Ukraine via debt relief and budgetary measures if asset unfreezing fails.
- Remember such alternatives require unanimous EU agreement, which is unlikely.
Ukraine Scaling Domestic Weapons Production
- Ukraine now produces over half the weapons it uses, including long-range drones and missiles.
- Domestic production gives Kyiv greater strategic autonomy while still needing Western support.