Zelensky to attend EU summit in Brussels and receive audience with King Philippe
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky will attend the extra EU summit in Brussels on Thursday in person, rather than via video conference, a high-ranking EU official has confirmed. Earlier reports had suggested he would participate remotely.
Since the start of the Russian invasion in February 2022, Zelensky has been a regular presence at European summits, sometimes joining in person and at other times via video link. His meeting with EU leaders is scheduled during lunch, and King Philippe will also receive him, the Royal Palace announced on Wednesday evening.
The summit comes as EU leaders seek to reaffirm their support for Ukraine, particularly after US president Donald Trump announced direct talks with Russia and suspended aid to Kyiv. European leaders are expected to underscore that "nothing will be decided on Ukraine without Ukraine".
Discussions on Thursday will focus on additional investments in European defence and increased support for Ukraine.
While Hungary has already signalled that it will not support the summit's conclusions or any further aid to Ukraine, EU diplomats remain hopeful of sending a unified message that "the EU is turning the page on defence", a shift they argue will also strengthen Ukraine.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky at a press conference after a European Council meeting in Brussels, 19 December 2024 © PHOTO NICOLAS TUCAT / AFP
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