Brussels diplomacy: Zelenskyy advocates for energy security and peacekeeping mission

He met with French President Emmanuel Macron, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and several European leaders at the European Council meeting and reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to strengthening ties with NATO and the EU.

The discussions with EU leaders to continue the following day, Dec. 19.

Zelenskyy stressed the topics of winter preparedness, energy security, peacekeeping mission, and frontline defense as central themes of the meetings.

Energy security and military support

Zelenskyy engaged in discussions about bolstering the protection of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and addressing military needs for the ongoing war. He highlighted the urgent requirement for 19 air defense systems to safeguard energy distribution stations from Russian attacks, stressing the importance of additional air defense systems from the United States.

The discussions also focused on military aid. Zelenskyy provided French President Emmanuel Macron with a detailed list of weapons required to enhance Ukraine's air defense and long-range capabilities. The Presidential Office said that Ukraine looks forward to the training of a second strategic reserve brigade, following the success of the first "Anna Kyivska" brigade supported by France. Ukrainian President expressed gratitude for France's military assistance and its role in preparing Ukrainian forces.

Peacekeeping and diplomacy

Another key topic was the possibility of deploying a peacekeeping contingent to Ukraine, an idea initially proposed by French President Emmanuel Macron. Ukrainian President discussed this proposal with Macron and confirmed that progress has been made, as Macron has already initiated conversations with other leaders.

"There is already a positive response," Zelenskyy told reporters in Brussels.