Belgian Politicians And Senior Officials Targeted In an Intimidation Campaign
Allegedly orchestrated by Russia’s GRU.
The Gaze reports on it according to the Guardian.
The campaign of threats began as soon as the possible use of frozen assets was mentioned.
Belgium's steadfast opposition to providing Ukraine with urgently needed funds in the form of a loan secured by Russian Central Bank assets held in that country may be due to a campaign of threats fabricated by the Russian Federation. This was reported by The Guardian before the start of the summit in Brussels, which is currently discussing a decision on the use of frozen Russian assets, which is critically important for Ukraine.
According to European intelligence services, the publication writes, Belgian politicians and senior financial sector officials have been targeted by an intimidation campaign organised by Russian intelligence with the aim of persuading Belgium to block the use of €185 billion in assets to support Ukraine.
Sources in the security services reported that key figures at Euroclear, the securities depository where most of Russia's frozen assets are held, as well as the country's leadership, were deliberately targeted. And these were not only general threats, but also personal ones.
It is believed that the Russian military intelligence service, the GRU, is behind the campaign, although there is ongoing debate about the level of threat. But one thing is certain: intimidation tactics were used, targeting specific individuals. In particular, threats were made against Euroclear CEO Valerie Urben and other top managers of the financial group. Euroclear declined to comment, noting that any potential threats are taken very seriously and thoroughly investigated with the support of the relevant authorities.
Earlier it was reported that Urbain had received threats in 2024-2025 and was forced to seek police protection. This was publicly denied, but according to investigative journalists, she and other company executives subsequently hired private security.
In an interview with the French publication Le Monde in November, it was reported that Urben had been accompanied by a bodyguard for over a year, although she did not directly comment on the issue of security.
Recall that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she would not leave today's meeting of EU leaders in Brussels without finding a solution to Ukraine's financing.
Von der Leyen said that if a reparations loan for Ukraine is agreed upon, its risks must be shared by all member states.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever said ahead of the summit that proposals for financing Ukraine in 2026 and 2027 are still changing, despite the unofficial deadline for a decision, which is expected today.
According to De Wever, the proposed reparations loan to Ukraine carries legal, financial and economic risks and currently offers no clear guarantees.
As the Gaze reported earlier Belgium Urges Rethink of EU Strategy on Frozen Russian Funds.