"We Must Prepare for Winter"... Zelenskyy Asks Europe for Weapons and Financial Support

Appeals for support at EU summit amid pressure from Trump

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asked Europe for weapons and financial assistance on the 16th (local time). As tensions escalate amid his growing confrontation with U.S. President Donald Trump, Zelenskyy is seeking help from European leaders.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (right) and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen greet each other at a meeting venue in Brussels, Belgium, on the 16th (local time). Reuters-Yonhap News.

According to The Guardian and other outlets, Zelenskyy was invited to the European Union (EU) summit in Brussels, Belgium, which continued that day. He met with the leaders of the EU's 27 member states and senior EU officials, shared an update on the war in Ukraine, and appealed for European support.

Upon arriving at the summit venue, Zelenskyy told reporters, "We want to end this war as soon as possible, but there are currently no signs that Russia is ready to end it." He added, "For this reason, we have to prepare for this winter." He said that the winter assistance Ukraine needs includes not only energy but also air defenses and financial support, and added that the summit would discuss Ukraine's needs for the rest of this year and into next year.

Zelenskyy's visit to Brussels came amid a sharp confrontation with Trump. After Ukraine resumed strikes on Russian oil refineries, Trump criticized Zelenskyy, saying he was more difficult to deal with than Russian President Vladimir Putin and calling the situation "a disgrace."

Trump has stepped up pressure on Ukraine, raising the possibility that its president should be replaced and suspending military intelligence support to the country.

European leaders, for their part, have expressed their full support for Ukraine. European Council President António Costa said, "Now is not the time to withdraw support for Ukraine or ease sanctions on Russia. Rather, it is time to increase support for Ukraine and step up pressure on Russia."

Some leaders, however, also called for continued communication, saying Europe should maintain diplomatic efforts with the United States.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.