Zelenskyy Connects with European Heads

In an extensive international communication on October 18, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a significant phone call with a group of European leaders and NATO’s Secretary General. The call, which was a follow-up to a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, included discussions on air defense, security guarantees, and the ongoing needs of Ukraine amidst its current security challenges.

The leaders on the call included UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian President of the Council of Ministers Giorgia Meloni, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Council António Costa, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. During the call, President Zelenskyy provided updates on his discussions with President Trump, emphasizing the strategic importance of the PURL program and the opening of new opportunities for Ukraine.

President Zelenskyy expressed gratitude towards the participating leaders for their ongoing support and highlighted the collective aim to protect lives, ensure security for Ukraine, and strengthen stability across Europe. The leaders agreed to coordinate their positions closely and tasked their national security advisors with planning the next steps in response to the evolving situation.