Ukraine urges EU to boost support ahead of winter at Brussels summit

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on EU partners at the Brussels summit on October 16 to increase military and financial support for Ukraine, focusing on winter preparation, defense funding for 2027, sanctions against Russia, and EU membership progress. Zelensky requested 70 billion euros for Ukraine's defense needs in 2027, citing total war costs of 155 billion euros next year. He emphasized the need for Patriot interceptor missiles and a winter aid package covering both energy infrastructure and air defense. The summit occurred amid Kyiv-Washington tensions, with Zelensky criticizing Trump's decision to lift restrictions on Russian diesel supplies. EU leaders expressed support, though additional funding decisions still require agreement among member states.