BRUSSELS: The European Union on Friday indefinitely froze Russia’s assets in Europe to ensure that Hungary and Slovakia, both with Moscow-friendly governments, can’t prevent the billions of euros from being used to support Ukraine. Using a special procedure meant for economic emergencies, the EU blocked the assets until Russia gives up its war on Ukraine and compensates its neighbor for the heavy damage that it has inflicted for almost four years.

Russia's central bank says it is suing Belgium's Euroclear in court following an EU bid to use Russian assets to aid Ukraine.

The EU Council is expected to officially enshrine the decision on the indefinite freezing of Russian assets in Europe today