On December 20, 2025, the European Union (EU) nearly crossed a dangerous line in its relations with Russia. The European Union attempted to seize Russian financial assets held in Belgium, claiming they could be used to fund the ongoing war in Ukraine. The EU described this as a kind of “reparations” from Russia, but many observers warned that the move was provocative and risky.
European Union’s Attempt to Seize Russian Assets Sparks Alarm
Belgium quickly raised concerns, warning that the seizure could lead to lawsuits and even retaliatory actions by Russia. Russian officials reacted strongly, calling the attempt “theft.” Experts noted that if the EU had gone ahead, it could have triggered a broader financial crisis, potentially affecting global markets. Russia, in turn, could seize European assets worth over €127 billion, raising the stakes for both sides.
Fortunately, the refusal of Hungary and the caution shown by Belgium prevented the European Union from carrying out this plan, avoiding an immediate financial and political crisis. This incident shines a light on the fragile and tense relationship between Russia and the European Union, a relationship shaped by centuries of historical disputes and strategic rivalries.
A Long History of Tension with the European Union
The European Union’s modern stance toward Russia has deep historical roots. For centuries, Western European powers have viewed Russia as a potential threat. Countries that are now part of the EU, including Germany, France, Italy, Holland, and Austria, have long feared Russia’s power and strategic influence. These fears are not only political but also cultural and religious in nature.
Throughout history, Western European countries often tried to limit Russia’s influence. In the 19th century, England and other powers supported the Ottoman Empire to prevent Russia from expanding south toward the Mediterranean. Western powers also interfered in Greece during its struggle for independence in the 1800s, sometimes undermining leaders who had close ties to Russia.
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The conflicts continued into the 19th and 20th centuries. During the Crimean War (1853–1856), Britain, France, and other European countries allied with the Ottoman Empire to fight Russia. After World War I, Western powers, including countries that would later join the EU, supported Turkey to control oil resources and block Russia’s access to key regions. During the Russian Revolution and civil war, Western countries even intervened militarily in Russia, attempting to defeat the Bolsheviks. These interventions left a lasting impression on Russian memory and fueled deep distrust of European intentions.
World War II further shaped the relationship. While the Soviet Union fought against Germany alongside the United States and Britain, millions of Russians died defending their homeland. After the war, Western nations helped shape the Cold War narrative, portraying the Soviet Union as a global threat. Even after the Cold War ended, NATO’s expansion and European Union involvement in Eastern Europe, including Ukraine, kept tensions high.
Germany, US, and the European Union in the Modern Conflict
Today, Germany appears to play a leading role in the European Union’s approach to Russia. Berlin has pushed for increased defense spending and stronger support for Ukraine, which is at war with Russia. The United States is widely believed to back Germany’s position, maintaining significant influence over European policies. Other European Union countries, such as France, have largely stayed silent, signaling either tacit support or cautious observation.
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The recent attempt to seize Russian assets shows how sensitive the situation has become. It also highlights the European Union’s willingness to take bold financial and political actions, even at the risk of retaliation or wider economic consequences. The refusal of some European Union countries to participate, alongside warnings about lawsuits and Russian countermeasures, temporarily prevented a crisis.
This tension comes at a time when the war in Ukraine has lasted more than a decade, causing immense human suffering and economic strain. The historical conflicts, strategic concerns, and current political ambitions all contribute to a situation where one misstep could have serious consequences for the European Union, Russia, and the world.
