In a significant escalation of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Ukrainian drones struck Russia’s southern Rostov region, killing three people, including two crew members on a cargo ship, and causing damage to homes and infrastructure. The attack comes as European Union leaders deliberate whether to unlock frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine’s war effort, highlighting the growing urgency of financial and military support for Kyiv.

Details of the Rostov Drone Attack

Yury Slyusar, acting governor of the Rostov region, reported on Telegram that the drone strike caused a fire aboard a cargo ship, which was eventually extinguished. Two crew members were killed, three were injured, and a civilian was also killed in the nearby town of Bataysk, where the attack destroyed two homes and damaged an under-construction apartment block.

This strike is part of a series of nightly Ukrainian drone operations targeting Russian territory, intended to disrupt logistics and signal Ukraine’s continuing military capabilities deep inside Russian-controlled areas.

Zelenskyy Urges EU to Unlock Russian Assets

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on EU leaders meeting in Brussels to release €210 billion ($247 billion) of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine financially over the next two years. Zelenskyy stressed that European support would demonstrate to Moscow that continuing the war next year is “pointless,” reinforcing Ukraine’s position in negotiations and on the battlefield.

The proposed plan would use frozen Russian assets as collateral for loans to help Ukraine sustain its defense operations and avoid running out of funds by mid-2026—a scenario that could drastically weaken Kyiv and shift the regional balance in favor of Russia.

EU Divisions and Belgium’s Role

The initiative faces a major hurdle in Belgium, home to the Euroclear securities depository, which holds €185 billion ($217 billion) of frozen Russian assets. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever expressed concern about legal risks, arguing that Belgium should receive guarantees from other EU countries before assuming potential liability if Russia wins international court claims.

Other EU leaders, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, have emphasized the complexity of the decision and warned against forcing the issue. A fallback plan to have the EU collectively raise funds has been shelved, as unanimous approval is required from all 27 member states, with Hungary opposing the measure.

US Efforts and Peace Negotiations

Meanwhile, the United States continues efforts to broker a peace deal. US officials are scheduled to meet Russian negotiators in Miami to discuss former President Donald Trump’s peace plan, which focuses on future security guarantees for Kyiv. However, major disagreements persist over territorial concessions and other key elements, leaving a comprehensive settlement uncertain.

Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated Moscow’s determination to achieve its objectives in the war, describing Western preparations for conflict as “hysteria and a lie.” Despite this rhetoric, continued drone strikes inside Russian territory underscore the ongoing volatility of the conflict.

Conclusion

The drone attacks in Rostov and the EU’s debates over unlocking Russian assets illustrate the intersection of military action and financial strategy in the Russia-Ukraine war. With Ukraine seeking both international support and domestic resilience, the coming weeks are likely to determine whether Europe can provide critical resources and if diplomatic efforts can advance amid continuing hostilities.