Diplomacy · Impact 2 Notable

Zelensky urges Europe to keep backing Kyiv and oppose easing Russia sanctions

16 Oct 2026, 15:36 UTC · Brussels, Belgium · confirmed by 2 outlets

Speaking at the Brussels summit, Zelensky said Putin has no genuine interest in negotiations. He criticised a US deal involving Russian diesel as a possible path to broader sanctions relief.

Location: Brussels, Belgium · Belgium live map
Coordinates: 50.85°N 4.35°E
Reported: 16 Oct 2026, 15:36 UTC
Category: Diplomacy
Impact: 2 of 5 · Notable
Situation: Russia–Ukraine

See it on the live globe → France 24 ↗DW ↗France 24 ↗

Russia–Ukraine right now

■ Steady

Ukraine says Starlink restored; Abu Dhabi talks expected next month amid ongoing strikes

On Saturday Ukraine said its Starlink and Starshield connection was stable again after disruptions that caused tensions with Washington, and negotiators from Ukraine, Russia and the US are expected to meet in Abu Dhabi next month. Strikes continued on both sides. On Thursday the UN said Russian attacks killed at least 14 civilians and injured 78 across Ukraine, hours after Moscow said it was ready to resume talks. Maritime analysts say nearly 50 commercial vessels have been attacked in the Black Sea in October.

Ukraine's defence minister said the Starlink and Starshield link is stable again. On Friday Zelensky said limits persisted, and US officials and Elon Musk gave conflicting accounts of who controls access.
Putin said Russia is ready to resume three-way talks on the security parameters of a final deal, not a short truce.
Romania blames Russia for a drone strike that sank the Comoros-flagged Khoryv near its waters, killing one sailor with three missing.
The White House says a localised ceasefire in Oleshky will take effect, but neither Russia nor Ukraine has confirmed it.

Updated 24 Oct 2026, 16:59 UTC · Written by Claude from the reports on this page and on the map. Check the linked sources for full details.

More from Russia–Ukraine

All 118 events in Russia–Ukraine →