Zelenskyy Seeks Defence Support From European Leaders Amid Ongoing Russian Attacks on Kyiv Infrastructure

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in Brussels for talks with European leaders to discuss new defence support for Kyiv. His visit comes amid Moscow's refusal to heed US President Donald Trump's proposal for an energy ceasefire.

Zelenskyy began his trip with a courtesy call on King Philippe of the Belgians, thanking him for his support of Ukraine. 'We are now living under constant Russian missile and drone attacks on our cities and communities. And our top priority is strengthening air defense,' Zelenskyy said.

Push for F-16 Fighter Jets

One of Zelenskyy's priorities is securing additional F-16 fighter jets and ammunition, which he said would be important in defending Ukraine against further Russian attacks. European leaders are in Brussels, Belgium, for a two-day European Council summit on 15–16 October 2026.

Although Ukraine is not a member of the European Union, Zelenskyy travelled to Brussels to seek further military and financial support as his country continues to defend itself against Russia's full-scale invasion, which began in 2022. He noted that Russian forces had targeted energy infrastructure in Lutsk, resulting in power outages in the city. 'Russia has defiantly disregarded the proposal from the American President to cease fire on energy infrastructure. And now it is exploiting problems with Starlink operations to inflict maximum destruction,' Zelenskyy said.

Substantive Talks With Macron

Zelenskyy described his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron as substantive. He said they discussed new French military aid expected to arrive in Ukraine this month. The bilateral meeting also covered the need to make the FREYJA project operational by the end of the year.

The project involves a 10-country coalition that includes Ukraine and France and aims to develop a lower-cost alternative to the US Patriot missile defence system. Zelenskyy thanked Macron for the French licences Ukraine has received to produce weapons under agreements with France.

Russian strikes have threatened electricity supplies, while Kyiv has stressed the need for more missiles and air-defence systems to protect civilians and essential services. European Union leaders were expected to discuss continued military assistance and measures to help Ukraine maintain its critical infrastructure during the European Council summit.

Macron, for his part, reiterated France's support for Ukraine. 'As Russia chooses to escalate because it is bogged down on the front lines, it is crucial that we collectively provide Ukraine with all the necessary means to defend itself and to protect its civilian population and infrastructure,' Macron said.

Denmark and Poland Signal Support

Zelenskyy also met Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who underscored the importance of European defence mobilisation as winter approaches. 'Ukraine is ready for an energy ceasefire, but Russia continues attacks on civilians and energy infrastructure. Important that we all continue strong support for Ukraine. And increase sanctions on Russia,' Frederiksen said.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk echoed the sentiment during his bilateral meeting with Zelenskyy. 'We are not just neighbors. We are friends who can count on each other in difficult times. And no one will ever change that,' Tusk said.

Zelenskyy also met Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever and North Atlantic Treaty Organization Secretary-General Mark Rutte.