Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, was welcomed by the leaders of the European Union at the summit in Brussels. However, he faces serious challenges in obtaining what he needs, and a public disagreement with U.S. President Donald Trump has put him in a difficult position.
Warning about a harsh winter
Zelensky told reporters at the summit that "Putin wants to destroy us" and that Ukraine must prepare for a harsh winter. Experts also predict that the upcoming cold season will be very difficult for Ukraine. Olena Prokopenko, a senior researcher at the German Marshall Fund, pointed out that Ukraine is likely entering its toughest winter since the full-scale Russian invasion.
Economic and military challenges
At the summit, three main topics were discussed between Zelensky and the EU leaders: U.S. relations with Russia, Starlink services, and funding. Zelensky is in urgent need of European support, as his relations with the United States are deteriorating and concerns in the EU and Ukraine about increasing U.S. sympathy towards Russia are growing.
The Trump administration recently signed a contract to purchase Russian diesel, which is seen as a sign of retreating from previous sanctions, and this is concerning for Ukraine. Zelensky also mentioned delays in the delivery of U.S.-made missiles and urged Europe to assist in providing necessary military equipment.
At the end of the summit, Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine needs about $80 billion more next year to meet its financial needs and called on EU leaders to respond to this request. He said, "This is a real amount, and I ask you to find this support, as it will help us keep Russia at bay."
EU diplomats stated that Ukraine remains a priority, and requests for additional funding for the country are under review. Zelensky left Brussels without receiving specific promises, taking on new commitments for support, and concluded his press conference by saying, "We will continue to live and fight with dignity."
