Belgium on Wednesday rejected a plan to use frozen Russian assets to help prop up Ukraine's economy and war effort over the next two years, saying that the scheme poses financial and legal risks.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen kept up the pressure on Belgium Friday to accede to an EU plan to use Russian central bank assets frozen in Belgium to fund Ukraine.

India's Junior Men's Hockey World Cup campaign continues as they prepare for a tough semifinal clash against defending champions Germany. After a dramatic quarterfinal win against Belgium, the Indian team faces a stern test of their technical and tactical prowess against the formidable German side.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said they held “very constructive” talks with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever on Friday over an EU plan to use Russian frozen assets to fund Ukraine,

The EU on Wednesday laid out a plan to use frozen Russian assets to help fund Ukraine with 90 billion euros over the next two years, despite outspoken opposition from key player Belgium. The European Union's executive has been drawing up options to help plug Kyiv's looming budget black holes as Russia's punishing invasion drags on towards a fourth year.

The average life of Belgium's debt portfolio reached 10.00 years as per Nov. 30, 2025, and the duration amounted to 7.44 years, the debt agency said. In 2026, the average life of the debt portfolio will again be required to exceed 9.25 years, it said.

Read through Belgium's World Cup history, records and memorable moments. Follow their road to the tournament with the latest on their fixtures, group and coach.

Belgium dismissed the European Union’s new legal proposal to tap frozen Russian assets to back a loan for Ukraine.

India edge Belgium 4–3 in a breathless shoot-out after a 2–2 thriller, powered by Tiwari's ice-cold strokes and Prince's heroic saves. The hosts now go up against the reigning champions in a thrilling semi-final clash.