Europe Today Commissioner Dombrovskis says "next week is crunch time" to decide on frozen assets
Dec 9, 2025
Valdis Dombrovskis, the EU Commissioner for the economy and former Prime Minister of Latvia, discusses the urgency of frozen Russian assets for Ukraine's funding needs. Ukrainian correspondent Sasha Vakulina reports on President Zelensky’s high-stakes talks in Brussels, emphasizing security guarantees. Migration reporter Vincenzo Genovese explains new EU laws aimed at expediting asylum processes and changing return procedures, highlighting the evolving approach to migration management in Europe.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Zelensky Rejects Territorial Concessions
- Zelensky insists Ukraine cannot cede territory, framing occupied regions as home to millions of Ukrainians.
- Sasha Vakulina says Europe must coordinate to present a united negotiating position.
Messaging Shift Benefits Russia Politically
- The US shift in messaging reduces portrayal of Russia as the primary enemy and highlights EU's role in blocking talks.
- Sasha Vakulina notes Russia welcomes this reframing while criticising the EU.
Strength Fuels Ukraine's Negotiating Power
- Stronger Ukrainian defence increases its negotiating leverage in any peace talks.
- Valdis Dombrovskis says EU financing and military support are key to preserving leverage and avoiding capitulation.