EU leaders race to save Ukraine funding deal as Kyiv’s cash runs low

Future of Europe' at stake with Von der Leyen and Merz desperate to persuade Belgian PM to allow use of frozen Russian assets

Germany's chancellor, Friedrich Merz, will meet the European Commission chief, Ursula von der Leyen, and Belgium's prime minister, Bart De Wever, for emergency talks on Friday as the EU races to save its sorely needed financing plan for Ukraine.

The three leaders will dine in private in Brussels, a German government spokesperson said on Thursday, as Belgian officials continued to express strong opposition to the scheme, which involves the unprecedented use of frozen Russian assets.