Russia’s Central Bank says it has filed a lawsuit against Belgian financial institution Euroclear. That's the Brussels-based clearing house that holds most of Moscow’s frozen assets in Europe.

EU Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius has warned that Russia could be ready to "test" Europe in a conflict within the next three to four years, stressing the need for the European Union to strengthen its defence capabilities.

Officials are accusing Russia of smaller-scale assaults. President Vladimir V. Putin sought to turn the tables, saying that if Europe were to start a war, Russia is ready.

Belgium blocks EU plan to seize Russian assets for Ukraine aid, citing serious fears of Putin retaliation and potential war escalation against Europe.

The European Union looked set on Friday to indefinitely freeze Russian central bank assets held in Europe, removing a big obstacle to using the cash to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia. The EU wants to keep Ukraine financed and fighting as it sees Russia's invasion as a threat to its own security.

The meeting will follow a Dec. 10 phone call between Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Ukraine, Germany, France, and the U.