Latvian PM Andris Kulbergs drops an early quote of the day contender, as he explains the stakes on Ukraine in direct and practical terms:
“It is a super important moment because, well, if we want comfort in Europe and [be able to] eat croissant, drink coffee in the morning, and don’t think about the threats, then we have to support Ukraine.”
He says Russia “was pulled out from under the water” by Trump’s war in Iran and the crisis in the strait of Hormuz, which increased its oil revenues, “and that is not helping.”
“Ukraine needs financial support and military support in order to have to go through this harsh winter … ahead of us.”
In what definitely feels like a swipe at some other leaders (*waves across the ocean*), Zelenskyy begins his remarks by saying he is happy to have “huge support” from “leaders, real leaders.”
He says Ukraine wants the war to end as soon as possible, but sees “no signals from the Russian side that they are ready to end this war.”
“That’s why we have to prepare for the winter,” both on energy and defence, he says.
Commission president von der Leyen also delivers a pretty unequivocal message, as she blames Russia for violating Donald Trump’s energy ceasefire and says Moscow “escalated” its attacks instead.
She makes it clear that the EU will not offer Russia any concessions, despite pressure from the US.
“One thing is absolutely clear: we will not lift any sanctions unless Russia stops the war.”
She says the talks today will also focus on defining Ukraine’s path to the European Union by opening two further “negotiating clusters” as they are known before the end of the year.
The leaders will also discuss how to support Ukraine during the winter.
Arriving with Zelenskyy and von der Leyen, Costa is very clear in his message on Ukraine as he declares the EU’s support to Ukraine “remains as strong as ever.”
In what feels like a targeted message to Ukraine, Russia, but also the US, he says:
“This is no time to withdraw the support to Ukraine. This is no time to relieve Russia’s sanctions.”
He adds “this is essential to bring Russia to accept a real ceasefire, to bring Russia to the table of negotiations and to stop this war.”
Costa also signals his intention to move on the accession prospects for Ukraine, saying:
“You can count on us not only to support you in war, but most important for your future as a member of the European Union.”
EU leaders and Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy are meeting today in Brussels to discuss the latest in Russia’s war against Ukraine amid worsening relations between Kyiv and Washington.
Zelenskyy is expected to arrive any moment now, alongside European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and European Council president António Costa.
Overnight Ukraine was once again affected by Russian attacks, which killed at least three in the eastern city of Kharkiv. 370,000 people were left without power in the Volyn region bordering Poland.
Today’s talks come at a critical moment as Ukraine increasingly struggles with repelling Russian air attacks as a result of acute shortages of interceptor missiles, with Zelenskyy also involved in a very public series of disagreements with Donald Trump at White House.
The EU leaders will discuss what the bloc can do to support Ukraine during the upcoming winter and beyond and whether any substantial progress can be made on the key issue of its plans to join the European Union.
Separately, the leaders will also talk about migration and foreign policy more broadly.
I will bring you all the key updates here.
It’s Friday, 16 October 2026, it’s Jakub Krupa here, and this is Europe Live.
Good morning.