Zelenskyi holds talks in Brussels with Macron and prime ministers of Poland, Belgium, and Denmark

16.10.2026, 09:59 rubryka.com

Zelenskyi and Macron discuss strengthening aviation and European anti-ballistics

The meeting between Volodymyr Zelenskyi and Emmanuel Macron focused, in particular, on countering Russian aerial attacks and accelerating work on a European anti-ballistic system.

According to Ukraine's president, the talks were substantive. The leaders discussed various ways to counter Russian terror, which has continued almost uninterrupted in recent days.

The president of Ukraine thanked his French counterpart for delivering all weapons production licenses promised by France. According to him, the prompt implementation of the agreements by the respective teams serves as the next vital step.

Separately, Zelenskyi noted that during his meeting with Macron, Russia launched a drone strike on Ukrainian energy infrastructure in Lutsk, causing power outages in the city.

The president of Ukraine emphasized that Russia demonstratively ignored the US president's proposal for an energy ceasefire. According to him, the Russian side also takes advantage of Starlink operational issues to inflict maximum destruction on facilities necessary for daily life.

In turn, Emmanuel Macron stated that France will continue to support Ukraine decisively. He highlighted the importance of joint action by European partners in providing Ukraine with the necessary defense capabilities.

"As Russia chooses the path of escalation—because it remains bogged down on the frontline—it is crucial that we jointly provide Ukraine with all necessary means for self-defense, as well as for protecting civilians and infrastructure," the president of France noted.

Tusk assures Ukraine of support and highlights importance of sanctions

In Brussels, Volodymyr Zelenskyi also met with the Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk. Following talks with European leaders, the Polish Prime Minister assured Ukraine of support and solidarity.

In another post, he highlighted the friendly relations between Poland and Ukraine.

"We are not just neighbors. We are friends who can rely on each other in difficult times. And no one will ever change that," the head of the Polish government stated.

Zelenskyi reported that during the meeting, the parties discussed existing threats and detailed steps to strengthen Ukraine's defense against Russian strikes.

The president separately thanked Donald Tusk for his clear stance on sanctions against Russia. According to Zelenskyi, no decisions should be made that would help Russia continue the war.

The president also expressed gratitude to Donald Tusk and Poland for their assistance to Ukraine.

Zelenskyi and Frederiksen discuss air defense and financial support

Ukraine's cooperation with Denmark provided another key topic for talks in Brussels. Volodymyr Zelenskyi held a meeting with the Prime Minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, during which the parties discussed Russian attacks, strengthening the protection of Ukrainian infrastructure, and opportunities for financial support.

Zelenskyi noted that Russia interpreted signals regarding the potential easing of sanctions as permission to continue attacking civilian and critical infrastructure in Ukraine.

According to Zelenskyi, air defense remains Ukraine's top defense priority, particularly anti-ballistic capabilities and other systems that help intercept jet-powered Shahed drones.

During the talks, the president of Ukraine and the prime minister of Denmark also discussed how Copenhagen can help fund measures needed to sustain Ukraine's resilience. The parties agreed that the respective teams will continue working on these matters at their level.

Belgium and Ukraine discuss additional F-16s and ammunition

During his meeting with the Prime Minister of Belgium, Bart De Wever, Volodymyr Zelenskyi raised the issue of additional deliveries of F-16 fighter jets and their ammunition, as well as bolstering Ukraine's protection against Russian attacks.

The president informed the Belgian prime minister about the consequences of continuous Russian strikes on residential buildings, energy facilities, and other critical infrastructure.

Photo source: President's OfficeAccording to Zelenskyi, on that evening alone, Russian forces attacked energy facilities in two regions of Ukraine. In Volyn, nearly 15,000 people lost power, while partial outages occurred in Kyiv and the Kyiv region.

In certain communities, repair crews could not begin restoration work due to the threat of repeated Russian strikes.

The president of Ukraine noted that he briefed Bart De Wever in detail on Russian attacks and Ukraine's defense support needs.

The parties paid special attention to the supply of F-16 fighters. According to Zelenskyi, these aircraft already play an important role in repelling attacks by jet-powered Shaheds.

Background

It should be noted that on October 15, the president arrived in Brussels with his team to attend the European Council meeting and hold a series of meetings with representatives of European nations and international institutions.

As reported, President Volodymyr Zelenskyi met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Brussels on October 15 to discuss further military aid to Ukraine, including supplies of ballistic missile interceptors and ammunition for F-16s.