Zelenskyy smiles at suggestion he's a 'scapegoat' for Trump's problems ahead of midtermsOh, that’s tasty.Zelenskyy got asked by Sky News if he feels he’s being treated as a scapegoat for Trump’s domestic problems ahead of the tricky midterm elections.In response, he pauses for 15 seconds, and eventually smiles before saying:
 “This is my answer.”
Ouch.Zelenskyy answers question on whether he thinks he's a scapegoat for pressures facing TrumpAnd the press conference immediately wraps up after that.Key events16m agoZelenskyy warns against Putin using energy to 'tempt the world into looking the other way'29m agoZelenskyy's address to EU leaders includes targeted praise for 'people with good hearts' in America and request for further funding for Ukraine2h agoZelenskyy smiles at suggestion he's a 'scapegoat' for Trump's problems ahead of midterms2h agoPutin 'wants to destroy us' as he questions Ukraine's 'existence,' Zelenskyy warns2h ago'I’m only standing up for Ukraine’s interests,' Zelenskyy says after Trump's comments comparing him with Putin2h agoZelenskyy praises 'very good' meeting with Hungary's Magyar2h agoZelenskyy says he heard 'only support' from EU leaders despite his clash with Trump over diesel deal2h agoZelenskyy declines to say if Ukraine targets Russian refineries2h agoEurope has enough interceptors to help Ukraine get through winter, Zelenskyy says2h agoZelenskyy says Starlink speeds not completely restored, Ukraine struggling with air defence2h agoUkraine expects additional F-16s by the end of the year, Zelenskyy says2h agoZelenskyy holds press conference after talks with EU leaders - watch live3h agoHungary's Magyar hopes for new opening with Ukraine after talks with Zelenskyy3h agoItaly sees air traffic disrupted by data issues, but rules out 'malicious activity'3h agoItaly, Spain reportedly close to dropping post-Ceuta temporary border controls3h agoEU leaders call for progress on European Starlink rival4h ago'European leadership needed to ensure people are ... protected from Russian terror,' Zelenskyy says4h agoZelenskyy gets warm welcome from EU leaders ahead of his summit address5h agoFrederiksen rejects Trump's suggestion Zelenskyy is 'more difficult to deal with than Putin'5h agoDenmark's Frederiksen calls for further support for Ukraine5h agoSituation in Ukraine 'really grave' and talks with US are 'very difficult,' EU foreign policy chief warns5h agoIrish PM calls for 'a European response' to Ukraine's needs and outreach to the US6h agoMorning opening: EU leaders meet to discuss Ukraine6h ago'This is no time to withdraw support to Ukraine,' Costa says6h ago'We will not lift any sanctions unless Russia stops the war,' EU's von der Leyen says6h agoZelenskyy thanks for support from 'real leaders' as he stresses need to prepare for winter6h agoIf Europe wants to eat croissants, drink coffee and not think about threats - support Ukraine, Latvian PM saysZelenskyy warns against Putin using energy to 'tempt the world into looking the other way'The full text of Zelenskyy’s address, released by his office, also includes some further interesting nuggets.Describing Putin’s Russia as an existential long-term threat to Europe, he explained:
 “Some of today’s European leaders, some of today’s people running in elections and taking part in politics in your countries were still at school when Putin was already waging war. And even back when Bill Clinton was still President of the United States, Putin was already waging war. Against the Chechens. And that war taught Putin a lesson.
 If he uses oil and gas to tempt the world, many politicians look the other way – even when cities are turned to rubble and villages are burned to the ground. That is exactly how Putin has been running things ever since. And he always has some “excuse” for why he can’t live in peace with one country or another.”
He also tried to set out a pan-European logic for fighting Putin, saying:
 “That is why the EU – and your unity, and every truly independent European country – is a target for him.
 Not because you are doing something wrong. Not because someone once offended Russia or failed to give Putin something he wanted. Putin only gets along with those who want to wage wars themselves and have no respect for human life. If he wins, everything that holds you together and keeps your people living in peace will simply be gone. Look at what he has been saying all these years. He has a problem with everything that happened after 1985. We don’t want to go back there.
 It’s important that people understand this across the whole European Union – from Poland and Finland and all the Nordic countries to France, Spain, and Italy.
 We may argue and disagree on politics. Sometimes we have serious disagreements over decisions. And that’s normal for democracies – I’m sure.
 Despite all our differences, we all want the same thing – a security system that really works and can deal with today’s threats.”
There is also a nice touch as Zelenskyy paid tribute to Italy’s Giorgia Meloni – although she is not mentioned by name – after she delivered a rousing speech in the Italian parliament, explicitly warning about Russia.Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni speaks as she talks ahead of the upcoming European Council meeting. Photograph: Riccardo Antimiani/EPASpeaking in the Senate on Wednesday, Meloni said:
 “If Ukraine stopped defending itself tomorrow, as many are hoping and proposing, we would not have peace. We would be discussing the occupation of a European nation and the return of the Soviet-style imperialism that Europe has known for half a century.
 Personally, I don’t miss those years. I don’t miss the Russian tanks that repressed the uprisings in Prague and Budapest. I don’t miss the Berlin Wall.”
Zelenskyy responded to that in his speech:
 “I am grateful to every one of you who does not miss the tanks that crushed the uprisings in Prague and Budapest – or the Berlin Wall.”
You may think it’s a small detail, but be in no doubt: everyone in that room knew what he referred to.Zelenskyy's address to EU leaders includes targeted praise for 'people with good hearts' in America and request for further funding for UkraineUkraine’s Zelenskyy has just released five clips from his earlier address to the EU leaders, delivered behind the closed doors, and there are some really striking bits there.EU heads of state and government at the roundtable in Brussels, with Ukraine’s Zelenskyy next to EU’s António Costa Photograph: dts News Agency Germany Michael Kappeler Pool/ShutterstockHe started with general praise for the EU …
 “Unity in defence is always built by many, many standing together, and without a determined European Union capable of making strong decisions, Putin would have gone much further by now.
 The European Union has not fallen apart, and it has not backed down or given in to fear when it came to defending the European way of life, and that mattered just as much as the courage of Ukrainians.”
… before turning to the most controversial issue of Ukraine’s relations with the US under Trump, and seemingly making a direct reference to the upcoming midterm elections in the US.
 “I am grateful to all of you who are trying to keep Europe and the United States together. There are so many people with good hearts in America who sincerely want evil to lose and Ukraine to stand strong, and these are the very hearts that helped Europe defend its freedom and that fought on D-Day, won the Cold War and won want is best for Europe, Hearts that want to be allies, not to divide or humiliate Europe, and I believe most Americans still feel this way.
 And at the end of the day, the American people will have their say.
 Putin will listen to America if America really turns up the heat on him and makes one thing clear: either he chooses peace or he gets no more money for his war.”
Zelenskyy also specifically criticised the US-Russia diesel deal once again, warning that lifting any sanctions anywhere will create incentives for Russia to try and get them removed elsewhere – just as what is needed is exactly the opposite.
 “We warned that if sanctions are eased … anywhere in Europe, others will quickly … take advantage of it, and now we can see how cash will start flowing back into Russia through the diesel deal.
 This diesel deal will never be enough to offset the impact of the Strait of Hormuz on global markets, but it will put more money straight into Putin’s pocket to fund this war.
 And we need a strong 22nd package, EU sanctions package, please. And please, we need real sanctions against every company and every person involved in making Russian ballistic missiles, advanced communications systems, and drones, and those involved in Russia’s financial system.”
He also laid bare Ukraine’s pressing financial needs, asking for this issue to be included in planning for the EU’s next budget:
 “The war will cost 155 billion euros next year, and we need at least 70 billion euros more from you for defence, for weapons, and for our resilience. This is a realistic, yeah, a realistic amount.
 And I ask you to find this support. It will help us hold Russia back.
 And there are some very simple facts. We stop most Russian assaults on the frontline thanks to drones, and we cut Russian supply lines with these technologies. Our drones are helping to weaken Russia’s economy.
 Right now, we could produce two or three times more drones, depending on the type. But we simply, simply, don’t have enough money for that. It’s true. Just imagine if we could put two or three times more pressure on Russia than we do today.
 We believe this war will be over as soon as possible, but Putin plans to stick around much longer.
 He is building a Russia that looks like North Korea, where children are raised from an early age for war and to die for their leader.
 So Russia will not stop being dangerous, and it’s our Ukrainian strength, our army, our technology that help guarantee also European security, your security.
 These security guarantees are not yet reflected as we think in your budget from 2028 onward. So let’s get serious about it. Let’s work out exactly how Ukraine’s defence capabilities should be included in that budget.”
Jakub KrupaThat’s a brave response from Zelenskyy, but I’m not sure he had any better option available to him. We all know the answer to this question.Zelenskyy smiles at suggestion he's a 'scapegoat' for Trump's problems ahead of midtermsOh, that’s tasty.Zelenskyy got asked by Sky News if he feels he’s being treated as a scapegoat for Trump’s domestic problems ahead of the tricky midterm elections.In response, he pauses for 15 seconds, and eventually smiles before saying:
 “This is my answer.”
Ouch.Zelenskyy answers question on whether he thinks he's a scapegoat for pressures facing TrumpAnd the press conference immediately wraps up after that.Putin 'wants to destroy us' as he questions Ukraine's 'existence,' Zelenskyy warnsAsked again if he’s feeling some pressure among European leaders or fearing potential changes in European politics with big elections coming up next year, he says that he “feels full support from Europe now.”“Europe is very united and it’s cognisant of all of the risks,” he says.He says the war clearly shows “major risks for Europe” as he recalls recent incidents in Bulgaria, Germany, Poland, Romania.“Europe understands as long as Ukraine stands, there will be fewer escalation with Russia,” he says.He says Russia’s demands are not about Donbas or any part of its territory, but about “our country’s existence.”
 “We’re now standing and fighting. What’s the alternative? Annihilation.”
He says Putin “wants to destroy us,” and “does not respect our sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
 “So you really trust that he needs only a part of our country?”
He also warns that any further progress in Ukraine could also trigger a wave of Ukrainian migrants in Europe.Zelenskyy says that he often hears from Trump that he just wants to “stop the killings.”
 “Yes, [but] Russia is killing us, on our territory. They came on our land and further pushing further. They don’t want to stop. They even don’t want to freeze [the conflict], as you see. And what will be after that? On what borders will he [stop]?”
Visibly frustrated, he says that more than 1,000 drones were sent to Ukraine yesterday, but the American side “said that it’s difficult to speak with Zelenskyy.”'I’m only standing up for Ukraine’s interests,' Zelenskyy says after Trump's comments comparing him with PutinZelenskyy gets asked about Trump’s comments that he is more difficult to deal with than Putin (11:09).He says that in his meetings with Trump he always found topics for discussion and decisions.“I’m only standing up for Ukraine’s interests,” he says, responding to Russian attacks.
 “And no matter how Russia would like to limit all of our rights, it’s clear that we do have a right to defend ourselves.”
He says Putin “does not seek negotiations in any format,” but only “playing these games of words.” “He does not want the war to end,” he says, saying Putin’s actions are a “parody” of efforts to end the war.He says that’s why he cannot accept any diesel deals with the US, because they will then be followed by gas agreements or other attempts to lift sanctions on Russia or its frozen assets, banking system, chemical industry, certain Russian individuals.
 “If I don’t stand up to this, if I don’t defend it, who else will do this diplomatically?”
Zelenskyy praises 'very good' meeting with Hungary's MagyarAsked about his relationship with Hungary’s Magyar (13:08), Zelenskyy says it was “a very good meeting” on the economy, logistics, energy.He says he is “not against” meeting the Hungarian PM in Budapest next.Zelenskyy says he heard 'only support' from EU leaders despite his clash with Trump over diesel dealZelenskyy gets asked if he heard any criticism from fellow leaders to his response to the US deal with Russia on diesel.He says he “heard … only support,” and he is “grateful to them for this.”He says the diesel deal caught Ukraine by surprise, and he believes Ukraine “should be aware of these things.”He says despite all of that Ukraine is ready to support an energy ceasefire, but “it all depends on Russia and they do not want it.”
 “And if there is no energy ceasefire, give us anti-ballistic missiles so that I can protect my energy facilities – … not too many, but for the period … of the diesel deal.”
He says Ukrainian negotiators are in touch with their US counterparts, and “in the coming days, they will arrange a meeting at a certain level,” and they will keep discussing it.Zelenskyy declines to say if Ukraine targets Russian refineriesZelenskyy gets directly asked if Ukraine is hitting refineries in Russia.He says he “usually don’t communicate” the details of Ukraine’s military operations, but says “the main rule of our operations is to respond.”Earlier he said Europe is “making certain steps” to have its own track in peace negotiations, but he didn’t offer more details on that.Europe has enough interceptors to help Ukraine get through winter, Zelenskyy saysZelenskyy says that Ukraine’s requests for further help ahead of this winter cover “the bare minimum” needed.He says it’s unclear what Ukraine could get, but he is confident that European countries have enough interceptors to share and “go through this winter.”He also says the focus is on producing a new anti-ballistic system and make it “quicker to produce, cheaper to produce” and then share with the rest of Europe.Zelenskyy says Starlink speeds not completely restored, Ukraine struggling with air defenceZelenskyy then gets asked about media reports that Ukraine is running out of Patriot interceptors and its reliance on Starlink.He acknowledges that Ukraine is “not a priority destination” for deliveries funded by Europe, but thanks for all help it can get.“We are picking them up where we can: one or two here, five there, ten there, arranging all of this and bringing them to Ukraine,” he says.On Starlink, he says Ukraine “is working with some countries, including France” on additional capabilities.Zelenskyy also addresses the issue of intelligence sharing with Ukraine.He says “many countries are sharing their intel with us, … dozens of countries.”But he then gets asked again for a straight clarification on what is the status of both Starlink (or its military version, Starshield) and US intel.On Starlink, he says “certain speed levels are needed” for its military to work properly – not for “deep strikes inside Russia,” but for its defence operations, particularly against Russian jet-powered drones.“This is why it was a very dangerous and unpleasant surprise,” he says.“Starlink was not turned off, but the speed limits were lowered … and we were incapable of shooting down some Shahed drones, and were no longer able to use one of the tools to protect our population,” he says.Jet-powered Shaheds move at 400 km/h, and the speed limits were reduced to 70 km/h, he says.He says the technology is also used for “mid-range strikes against military targets,” and for logistics deliveries.
 “Our defence ministry is in touch and my partners, they told me that there were signals from the White House that they would return these capabilities. Have they returned to the previous speed limits? No. But is it coming back now? Yes.”
Ukraine expects additional F-16s by the end of the year, Zelenskyy saysThe briefing kicks off with Zelenskyy getting a question about Russian frozen assets and Belgium’s opposition to the issue.He says by thanking Belgium for hosting the summit and for his meetings with PM de Wever and the Belgian king, Philippe. Ukraine expects additional F-16 from Belgium to be delivered by the end of the year.Turning to frozen assets, he says “of course” he is raising this issue again.He says Ukraine “would want to receive these funds in a certain format” and wants them to be safeguarded from Russia, “because we know very clearly that they want to bring these assets back.”Zelenskyy holds press conference after talks with EU leaders - watch liveJakub KrupaZelenskyy is finally here to brief the media after his EU talks in Brussels.I will bring you all the key lines here, but you can also watch along here:Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy holds press conference at EU summit - watch liveHungary's Magyar hopes for new opening with Ukraine after talks with ZelenskyyWe are still waiting for Zelenskyy to show up to his press conference, but in the meantime we have just heard from Hungary’s Péter Magyar after his first meeting with the Ukrainian president.Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Hungary’s prime minister Péter Magyar shake hands ahead of a round table as part of a European Union summit at the EU headquarters in Brussels. Photograph: Ludovic Marin/AFP/Getty ImagesThe pair have a long list of tricky topics to discuss given Hungary’s tense relations with Ukraine under the previous government of Viktor Orbán, including the issue of minority rights for Hungarians in Ukraine, which is critical to Kyiv’s ambitions of joining the EU.But the noises coming from that meeting are positive.In a statement after the talks, Magyar welcomed the Ukrainian parliament’s adoption of a new law on minority education as “a first step towards restoring mutual trust,” and the two sides will “continue consultations … at the ministerial level.”“We agreed that it is in the interest of both countries to place their political and economic relations on a new foundation,” he said.In sharp contrast to his predecessor, Magyar also declared his strong solidarity with Zelenskyy “in the face of inhumane Russian aggression against his country.”“Hungary stands ready to provide assistance, through all available diplomatic means, towards achieving an immediate ceasefire and a lasting peace,” he said.Jakub KrupaBack to Brussels, we are expecting to hear from Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy shortly, as he is about to deliver a press conference after his talks with EU leaders.I will bring you all the key lines here when he steps up to the podium.Italy sees air traffic disrupted by data issues, but rules out 'malicious activity'Separately, Italy is struggling with technical issues affecting the data transmission network for air traffic control, with lengthy delays at airports across the country affecting thousands of passengers.Transport minister Matteo Salvini is “monitoring” the situation closely, his ministry said, with particular focus on ensuring the safety of operations, La Repubblica reported.The air navigation operator ENAV ruled out any “malicious activity,” and said the disruption was due to technical issues with the system managed by telecom operator TIM, Corriere della Sera said.Italy, Spain reportedly close to dropping post-Ceuta temporary border controlsItaly and Spain are reported to be close to dropping temporary border controls, introduced after the migration crisis in Ceuta in late August.Spanish police check documents of travellers from Italy amid a dispute over irregular migration. Photograph: Spanish Police/ReutersThe move, reported in the Italian and Spanish press, was reportedly discussed on the sidelines of the ongoing EU summit in Brussels, with Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez and Italian PM Giorgia Meloni meeting on Thursday night.The current thinking includes Italy extending its measures for seven days to align their expiry date with the Spanish restriction, when both would get lifted simultaneously on 22 October, El País reported.Italy first suspended Schengen arrangements with Spain in late July, much to criticism from Spain.EU leaders call for progress on European Starlink rivalIn their doorstep comments, EU leaders also called for Europe to do more on reducing Ukraine’s dependence on the US Starlink satellite communications system.A Ukrainian serviceman of 47th brigade prepares a Starlink satellite internet systems at his positions at a front line in Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine. Photograph: ReutersThe bloc’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Europe did not have a readily available alternative to technology controlled by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, AFP reported.“Starlink is really necessary for Ukraine and unfortunately in (the) short term Europe can’t replace this capability,” Kallas said before the talks.“Starlink is the key for Ukraine actually to fight or fight back,” Latvian prime minister Andris Kulbergs told reporters.Dutch prime minister Rob Jetten said he had discussed with French president Emmanuel Macron “how we, as Europeans, can provide more of these kinds of services in the not too distant future”.Bloomberg reported that the European Union will look to fast-track antitrust approvals for a rival European project.'European leadership needed to ensure people are ... protected from Russian terror,' Zelenskyy saysUkraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he discussed financial support for Ukraine with the presidents of the European Commission and European Council on the margins of the EU summit in Brussels.European Council president António Costa, speaks with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a round table meeting at the EU summit in Brussels. Photograph: Geert Vanden Wijngaert/APIn a post on X, he said:
 “I had a good meeting with the President of the European Council, António Costa @eucopresident, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen @vonderleyen. 
 Right now, there are no signals from Russia that it is ready to end its war. The signals it is sending point to something entirely different and certainly do not bring peace any closer. After overnight Russian strikes on energy infrastructure, Russia carried out a horrific strike on Kharkiv this morning. Two people have already been reported killed. My condolences to their families and loved ones. Seventeen others were injured. Russia also struck a shopping mall in Rivne and energy facilities in four regions. 
 European leadership is needed to ensure that people’s lives are sufficiently protected from this Russian terror. We appreciate that everything we agree on is implemented promptly. Today, we discussed further assistance, first and foremost for our energy and air defense needs. We talked about support for our financial resilience, including for next year, and coordinated our work on the European integration track. It is important that new negotiating clusters were opened this week. We are working to open the remaining two by the end of the year. Thank you, António! Thank you, Ursula! Thank you, EU!”