EU leaders open Brussels summit on Ukraine, Russian assets and hybrid threats

On 15 October 2026 the European Council began a two-day meeting in Brussels, chaired by President António Costa, bringing all 27 EU leaders together to confront a growing list of security and economic strains. The first day focused on the long-term EU budget for 2028-2034, surging energy costs and migration, while Ukraine, Russian hybrid attacks and enlargement were set to dominate day two, when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected in Brussels to address the leaders. Diplomats said draft conclusions revived a push to use some €200 billion in frozen Russian sovereign assets to help finance Ukraine's winter needs, especially energy infrastructure after fresh Russian missile strikes on Kyiv. Leaders also faced calls from Rome and Paris to appoint an 'authoritative figure' to negotiate for Europe on the Russia-Ukraine war. The summit comes amid alarm over suspected Russian sabotage, drones over NATO borders and strikes on two commercial ships just outside Bulgaria's territorial waters. The Middle East, including the fragile Gaza ceasefire and the Iran war, will also be discussed before conclusions are issued on 16 October.