Zelensky gives stark warning as EU leaders start crunch talks on Russia's frozen assets

The leaders are deciding whether to loan tens of billions of euros in frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's military and economic needs.

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Most of Russia's €210bn (£185bn; $245bn) worth of assets in the EU are held by Belgium-based organisation Euroclear, and so far Belgium and some other members of the bloc have said they are opposed to using the cash as a "reparations loan".

Russia has warned the EU not to use its money, but without a boost in funding Ukraine's finances are set to run dry in a matter of months.

"I hope we will be able to get a positive decision," Zelensky told reporters. "Without this there will be a big problem for Ukraine."

The Brussels summit comes at a pivotal moment in the war and Russia has filed a lawsuit against Euroclear in a Moscow court in a bid to get its money back.