Zelensky seeks more EU aid at Brussels summit as winter approaches

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attended the European Council in Brussels on Friday to request increased military and financial aid from the 27 member states, focusing on preparing Ukraine's response for the winter. His participation included his first official meeting with Hungary's new Prime Minister, Péter Magyar. European Council President António Costa assured Zelensky that EU support remains strong, while Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated sanctions will not be lifted unless Russia ends the war. Leaders also discussed Russia's aggressive behavior, defense readiness, Ukraine's EU accession progress, the Middle East, and migration. Separately, former US President Donald Trump criticized Zelensky for resuming attacks on Russian oil refineries after a US-brokered ceasefire failed, accusing him of driving up global energy prices. Trump said targeting diesel refineries harms the world, calling the actions "a shame."