Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived in Brussels for a European Council meeting as leaders are preparing to discuss ways to boost support for Ukraine and increase pressure on Russia.
Prior to the summit, Zelensky had a meeting with European Council President Antonio Costa, who invited him to speak at the event. The meeting occurred EU officially approved the 19th sanctions package against Russia for its war in Ukraine, including a ban on Russian liquefied natural gas imports.
It is a pleasure to have President @ZelenskyyUa 🇺🇦 join us at a #EUCO which will reaffirm our support to Ukraine—just as a new package of sanctions against Russia was agreed.
— António Costa (@eucopresident) October 23, 2025
Follow our joint doorstep. ↓ https://t.co/KAVLt0WxfR
What will EU leaders discuss regarding Ukraine and Russia?
The Ukrainian president is expected to inform EU leaders about the humanitarian needs of Ukrainians, as Russian strikes intensify and efforts toward peace continue.
“On one hand, we need to continue to support diplomatic efforts, but on the other hand, as we have always said, we will continue to support Ukraine by all means,”
Costa spoke prior to the meeting.
During the meeting, EU leaders will also examine options for long-term financial aid to Ukraine, which may include mechanisms involving Russia’s immobilised assets.
Zelensky also expressed gratitude to Costa for inviting him to the Brussels meeting and for the bloc’s approval of the 19th sanctions package, viewing it as a significant gesture of unity. The Ukrainian president also stated that the recent sanctions imposed by the EU and new U.S. actions against Russian oil companies send “a positive signal” encouraging other countries to take similar steps.
Why is Belgium opposing the plan involving russian assets?
On the other hand, Belgian Prime Minister de Wever has voiced his opposition to the plan, citing legal concerns. De Wever mentioned that he hasn’t identified a legal foundation for such a decision so far, noting that immobilised assets were not even disturbed during the Second World War.
How do Trump’s new sanctions affect Russian oil companies?
On Wednesday, Donald Trump implemented sanctions against Russia’s two largest oil companies, marking a significant policy change. New restrictions have been imposed on Rosneft, Lukoil, and numerous subsidiaries due to
“Russia’s lack of serious commitment to a peace process to end the war in Ukraine.”
Trump told reporters that he has a
“very good relationship”
with his Russian counterpart but felt compelled to cancel their scheduled meeting in Budapest because
“it didn’t feel right to me.”
