President Volodymyr Zelensky met with the heads of diplomatic missions of European Union member states in Ukraine.
The meeting was attended by the heads of diplomatic missions of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Greece, Denmark, Estonia, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, France, Croatia, Czechia, and Sweden, as well as the EU Ambassador to Ukraine and the Head of the European Union Advisory Mission in Ukraine.
The main topics of discussion were Ukraine’s urgent financial and defense needs, strengthening air defense, opening the remaining four negotiating clusters in the EU accession process, and increasing sanctions pressure on Russia.
“I am very proud of the relations that connect us with you, your countries, and, of course, your peoples. I am extremely grateful to the leaders and citizens of your countries for the support you have provided to Ukraine since the very beginning of the full-scale war and continue to provide today,” the Head of State noted.
The President spoke about an important meeting between the teams of Ukraine and the European Commission on covering Ukraine’s financial and defense needs for 2026–2027, which took place today in Brussels.
“There is a clear understanding of the current situation, the existing resource gap, and ways to address the problem. We understand what steps can and will be taken by both sides, and we have the political will to do so. It is very good that there is an understanding regarding financing for 2026, as well as support for 2027,” Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized.
The Head of State also informed the participants about today’s successful test of Ukraine’s FP-7 tactical ballistic missile.
According to Volodymyr Zelensky, there is also progress in developing Ukraine’s anti-ballistic defense system, with financing being one of the key issues. It is equally important for the production of interceptors against Russian jet-powered drones. The Head of State called for supporting the allocation of €20 billion in unused funds under the SAFE program to defense projects with Ukraine.
“You can see these massive attacks yourselves. Our army critically needs means to protect people, as well as to preserve critical infrastructure, bridges, kindergartens, schools, universities, logistics hubs, mobile operators, and data centers,” the President noted.
Volodymyr Zelensky also stressed that sanctions must not be lifted when Russia is taking no steps toward peace and called for stronger sanctions pressure and work on new packages.
“I instructed my team to prepare a new list of Russian oligarchs, and we now have such a list. We prepared it and passed it on to your teams. And, of course, we will once again add to it those individuals whom we ‘lost’ but have not forgotten. This also includes anti-ballistic sanctions and various other packages,” the Head of State said.
During the discussion with the diplomats, they spoke about ways to support Ukraine as effectively as possible amid Russia’s escalation ahead of the winter season.
Particular attention was also paid to the importance of adopting decisions related to reforms, especially the bills required for Ukraine to receive the necessary financing. The President noted that Ukraine is doing everything possible, but the realities of wartime, including the conditions under which parliament operates, must be taken into account.
The President thanked the heads of diplomatic missions of EU countries and their countries for everything they are doing for Ukraine and proposed meeting again in the near future.
