France, Dec. 19 -- The deal, struck in the early hours of Friday during summit talks in Brussels, comes at a critical moment for Ukraine.

With the war approaching its fifth year and United States President Donald Trump pressing for a rapid peace deal, European leaders were under growing pressure to shore up Ukraine's finances.

European Council President Antonio Costa, who chaired the summit, said: "Today's decision will provide Ukraine with the necessary means to defend itself and to support the Ukrainian people."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the outcome, describing it as "significant support that truly strengthens our resilience".

Writing on X (formerly Twitter), he added that it was crucial that Russian assets rem...