“Frozen” Russian assets to fund Ukraine’s defence – Strategic readiness by 2030
European Union leaders have agreed to create a pan-European anti-drone shield, aiming to protect the continent from Russia’s growing use of unmanned aerial threats and hybrid attacks. The decision came during an informal summit in Copenhagen, marking a major step towards collective European defence.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that Russian drone incursions were “just the beginning” and called for coordinated European action. The European Commission unveiled a four-pillar defence plan:
- A Drone Wall across the eastern borders.
- A Space Shield for early warning.
- A Unified Air Defence System.
- An Eastern Wing Observatory for real-time surveillance.
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged a “new mindset” on European defence, with 2030 as the target year for operational readiness. She also proposed using frozen Russian assets, worth billions, to fund Ukraine’s defence efforts through a “Compensation Loan” mechanism, repaid if Russia later pays war reparations.
Von der Leyen stressed that “Ukraine is our first line of defence” and that “Russia must be held accountable.” Meanwhile, European Council President Antonio Costa said the plan underscores the EU’s ambition to build deterrence and reduce dependence on NATO for regional security.
The proposal includes measures to fast-track defence procurement and a new package of sanctions targeting Russia’s energy and financial sectors. Discussions will continue at the European Council meeting on 23–24 October, as leaders seek unity amid differing national positions, notably from Hungary.
Frederiksen concluded that Europe must “invest massively in anti-drone technology” to deter aggression and ensure that “war is never an option again.”
