European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the need to continue pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to bring him to the negotiating table for peace talks. This position was taken during today’s exchange of views at the European Council in Brussels.
According to an EU official, Zelensky briefed the leaders on the new “wave” of Russian attacks against civilian targets and energy infrastructure in Ukraine. He also presented the country’s economic situation, the most immediate needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and the progress of international efforts for a ceasefire. EU leaders and the Ukrainian president noted that Moscow shows no willingness to participate in substantive talks to end the war. Therefore, they agreed that it is necessary to maintain and intensify pressure on Putin to force him to come to negotiations. The same official reported that Zelensky expressed his gratitude to European leaders for adopting the 19th sanctions package against Russia. He also thanked them for the EU’s commitment to continue long-term support for Ukraine. After the conversation with the Ukrainian president, European leaders continued discussions on the best way to cover Ukraine’s financing needs for the next two years (2026-2027). Consultations are expected to resume in the afternoon.
Zelensky’s appeal for long-range weapons
Addressing the European Council today, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on European leaders to supply Ukraine with long-range weapons. Zelensky – after failing to secure a promise from American President Donald Trump to provide Kyiv with powerful Tomahawk missiles – emphasized that such weapons are available in Europe and that he is in discussions with certain countries on this issue. He noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin understands that long-range weapons like Tomahawks have the power to change the course of the war in Ukraine.
“When we talk about long-range weapons, for example for Ukraine, we mean that Putin’s regime must feel the real consequences of this war. And I call on you to support whatever helps Ukraine acquire such capabilities, because they really make a difference for Russia,” he stated. As winter approaches, Russia – Zelensky also warned – wants to turn cold weather into a weapon again during the winter months and is intensifying attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
Additionally, he thanked European leaders for the new sanctions package against Moscow, emphasizing their importance. “Sanctions limit the Russian war machine, but also put pressure on those who influence policy: companies, Putin’s inner circle, Russian oligarchs, and the entire state system,” he underlined. Regarding the EU’s plan to use “frozen” Russian assets to help Ukraine, Zelensky argued that the proposal is completely legal and fair, calling on European leaders to make a decision as soon as possible. “When we talk about frozen Russian assets, we must use them in a way that makes Russia understand that it pays for its own war,” Zelensky declared.
