European Union leaders convened in Brussels for a two-day summit on October 15-16, 2026, where they reaffirmed support for Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the leaders on the second day of the summit.

This summit took place as Ukraine faces challenges including a significant budget shortfall and souring relations with the United States. Russia is also reportedly attempting to cut off electricity and heating to Ukrainian civilians as winter approaches. The reaffirmed EU support comes at a critical time for Ukraine.

What the records show

The European Council confirmed that EU leaders met on October 15 and 16, 2026, in Brussels, within the buildings of the Council of the European Union. The meeting was chaired by António Costa, President of the European Council. The agenda for Friday's discussions included continued support for Ukraine, hybrid attacks in Europe linked to Russia, migration, and the situation in the Middle East. President Zelenskyy joined the leaders on Friday to discuss these issues, specifically regarding continued support for his country. The summit also covered economic challenges and energy prices.

Timeline

European Union leaders gathered in Brussels for the two-day summit on Thursday, October 15, and Friday, October 16, 2026. President Zelenskyy addressed the leaders on the second day of the summit, October 16. The reaffirmation of EU support occurred during this summit.

What changed and for whom

While EU leaders reaffirmed their backing, the context surrounding the summit includes Ukraine's deteriorating relationship with the United States and a