Europe live with Jakub KrupaWorld news EU’s von der Leyen pledges to ‘not lift any sanctions unless Russia stops the war’ as leaders discuss Ukraine – Europe live European leaders are meeting in Brussels amid worsening relations between Washington and Kyiv LIVE Updated 4m ago Jakub Krupa Fri 16 Oct 2026 09.21 BSTFirst published on Fri 16 Oct 2026 09.10 BST Share Key events 4m ago Irish PM calls for 'a European response' to Ukraine's needs and outreach to the US 14m ago Morning opening: EU leaders meet to discuss Ukraine 14m ago 'This is no time to withdraw support to Ukraine,' Costa says 14m ago 'We will not lift any sanctions unless Russia stops the war,' EU's von der Leyen says 14m ago Zelenskyy thanks for support from 'real leaders' as he stresses need to prepare for winter 14m ago If Europe wants to eat croissants, drink coffee and not think about threats - support Ukraine, Latvian PM says Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speaks with the media as he arrives for an EU summit in Brussels Key events 4m ago Irish PM calls for 'a European response' to Ukraine's needs and outreach to the US 14m ago Morning opening: EU leaders meet to discuss Ukraine 14m ago 'This is no time to withdraw support to Ukraine,' Costa says 14m ago 'We will not lift any sanctions unless Russia stops the war,' EU's von der Leyen says 14m ago Zelenskyy thanks for support from 'real leaders' as he stresses need to prepare for winter 14m ago If Europe wants to eat croissants, drink coffee and not think about threats - support Ukraine, Latvian PM says Irish PM Micheál Martin got asked about Ukraine on his arrival, too.
Ireland’s prime minister Micheál Martin speaks with the media as he arrives for the EU summit at the European Council building in Brussels.
He also says there needs to be a “clearer landscape” on what the EU can offer Ukraine in medium term, “whether it’s immobilised assets or other mechanisms.” “I am conscious on the last occasion, we strongly supported the issue of the seizure, the seized assets and whether they could be deployed.
But that came to nought in the end.” He says Europe needs to “maintain the pressure on Russia.” But he also notes that he wants to see “a continuing outreach from Europe to the United States,” making representations that “as far as Europe is concerned, Russia has been the aggressor from the beginning.” “What is happening now is, really, without any sort of regard for innocent civilian life, Russia is simply bombing civilian infrastructure, and endeavouring to kill as many people as possible in Ukraine and to put as much pressure as possible on the civilian population in Ukraine to try and force a Ukrainian climbdown.
The stakes are high and the situation is of considerable concern.” Latvian PM Andris Kulbergs drops an early quote of the day contender, as he explains the stakes on Ukraine in direct and practical terms: “It is a super important moment because, well, if we want comfort in Europe and [be able to] eat croissant, drink coffee in the morning, and don’t think about the threats, then we have to support Ukraine.” Latvian PM Andris Kulbergs addresses the media in Brussels.
” “Ukraine needs financial support and military support in order to have to go through this harsh winter … ahead of us.” In what definitely feels like a swipe at some other leaders (*waves across the ocean*), Zelenskyy begins his remarks by saying he is happy to have “huge support” from “leaders, real leaders.” Zelenskyy arriving for today’s EU summit He says Ukraine wants the war to end as soon as possible, but sees “no signals from the Russian side that they are ready to end this war.” “That’s why we have to prepare for the winter,” both on energy and defence, he says.
Commission president von der Leyen also delivers a pretty unequivocal message, as she blames Russia for violating Donald Trump’s energy ceasefire and says Moscow “escalated” its attacks instead.
Costa, Zelenskyy and von der Leyen arriving for today’s European Council.
“One thing is absolutely clear: we will not lift any sanctions unless Russia stops the war.” She says the talks today will also focus on defining Ukraine’s path to the European Union by opening two further “negotiating clusters” as they are known before the end of the year.
The leaders will also discuss how to support Ukraine during the winter.
Arriving with Zelenskyy and von der Leyen, Costa is very clear in his message on Ukraine as he declares the EU’s support to Ukraine “remains as strong as ever.” Costa, Zelenskyy and von der Leyen briefing journalists ahead of today’s meeting.
This is no time to relieve Russia’s sanctions.” He adds “this is essential to bring Russia to accept a real ceasefire, to bring Russia to the table of negotiations and to stop this war.” Costa also signals his intention to move on the accession prospects for Ukraine, saying: “You can count on us not only to support you in war, but most important for your future as a member of the European Union.” EU leaders and Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy are meeting today in Brussels to discuss the latest in Russia’s war against Ukraine amid worsening relations between Kyiv and Washington.
Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrives to attend a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of an EU summit in Brussels.
Overnight Ukraine was once again affected by Russian attacks, which killed at least three in the eastern city of Kharkiv.
370,000 people were left without power in the Volyn region bordering Poland.
Today’s talks come at a critical moment as Ukraine increasingly struggles with repelling Russian air attacks as a result of acute shortages of interceptor missiles, with Zelenskyy also involved in a very public series of disagreements with Donald Trump at White House.
The EU leaders will discuss what the bloc can do to support Ukraine during the upcoming winter and beyond and whether any substantial progress can be made on the key issue of its plans to join the European Union.
Separately, the leaders will also talk about migration and foreign policy more broadly.
I will bring you all the key updates here.
It’s Friday, 16 October 2026, it’s Jakub Krupa here, and this is Europe Live.
Good morning.
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