Zelenskyy is continuing his meetings with EU leaders but we will end the live blog here as information is expected to be scarce.

Have a good evening.

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has posted a picture of the group meeting with Zelenskyy.

In the post he wrote: "Poland is one of the leaders of support for our eastern neighbour, because the security of Ukraine is the security of the whole world."

Zelenskyy's bilateral meetings

As reported earlier, the Ukrainian President is meeting his EU counterparts in groups with France and Germany not taking part as they had a meeting with him last night. 

Here is the order:

1. Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden
2. Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Czech Republic, Slovakia 
3. Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, Slovenia, Hungary 
4. Belgium, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Portugal

Accession talks must start this year: Zelenskyy

Quizzed about his country's EU aspiration quickly during the press conference, Zelenskyy replied in English that "we can start opening the dialogue about our future in the EU" before returning the question to Michel and von der Leyen.

"We need unity in this case, that’s why of course we need this year," he said, adding that EU membership is motivating citizens and armed forces to resist and fight.

" When I say this year, Charles, I mean this year, 2-0-23," he said, prompting laughter in the room.

The Commission is scheduled to release its assessment of Ukraine's progress in its membership progress later this year with an oral presentation in the spring and a more formal report in the autumn.

EU officials have described themselves as "impressed" by the results already achieved by Ukraine. The country was granted candidate status in June last year and tasked with advancing on seven requirements.  A number of reforms to strengthen the judiciary and the fight against corruption have since been rolled out by the government.

Von der Leyen added during the press conference that the Commission is "working very closely with the Ukrainian government on the progress" and said "it is impressive to see how highly professional" they are.

"There is no rigid timeline, it is a merit-based process," she said, emphasising that the speed at which they reach the milestones set by the Commission dictates the speed of their membership process. 

I can't go home 'without results': Zelenskyy

"I simply haven't got the right to come back without the results," the Ukrainian President also told reporters when asked by Euronews Efi Koutsokosta if he expected to leave Brussels with concrete pledges for more support and military equipment, including fighter jets. 

"That depends on the partners. And for me, personally, it's very important that all the talks we conduct can lead to the result - should lead to the result. And perhaps, that's slightly impertinent, but that's not cynical, that's a pragmatic point of view."

"There are positive signals concerning the respective weapons. We have positive signals that we hear each other and I really want these signals to move to concrete sounds," he added. 

Meeting with Macron and Scholz 'very powerful': Zelenskyy

Asked whether the meeting in London was more fruitful than his visit in Paris and Brussels as he walked away with extra training including for pilots, Zelenskyy said that his dinner with the two EU leaders was a "very powerful meeting, a very important meeting and I see this meeting as a positive one".

He also indicated that some of the things that were discussed or that he might have secured, he could not make public, to not give Russia any information about the country's military capabilities. 

He also stressed that he still has a number of bilateral meetings to attend.

EU to target €10 billion worth of Russian exports in next sanction round: VDL

Ursula von der Leyen praised the EU's response to the war, stressing that collectively €67 billion have been given in support to Ukraine and refugees. 

"We must do more," she nonetheless said.

Her services will, "in the next few days" a 10th package of sanctions that will target political and military leaders as well as "Putin’s propagandists".

"Their lies are poisoning the public space in Russia and abroad," she said.

The sanctions will also include "additional export bans worth more than €10 billion" to derail Russia's ability to wage war and "shake the foundation of its economy"

Zelenskyy to discuss fighter jets with Eu leaders

The Ukrainian President told reporters that he will "raise the issue of fighter jets and aircraft" during bilateral meetings later today with EU leaders.

He also said is is "very grateful for the air defence systems", noting that they not only protect Ukraine but Europe as a whole.

Next few weeks will be 'decisive': Michel

European Council president Charles Michel kickstarted a press conference with Zelenskyy and Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen.

He promised "maximum support" both militarily and politically from the EU to defend itself on the battlefield and advance its case in international fora. 

He warned that "the next few weeks and months will probably be decisive."

Macron's invitation to Zelenskyy was 'inappropriate': Meloni

The Italian Prime Minister made her displeasure of the trilateral meeting held in Paris last night known when she arrived in Brussels.

"Yesterday's invitation to Zelensky seemed more inappropriate to me," she said.

"I think our strength in this matter is unity. I understand internal political issues, but there are moments in which giving priority to internal public opinions risks undermining the common cause. And this seems to be one of those cases," she added.

Reminder, when Italy was helmed by Mario Draghi, he was with Scholz and Macron when they visited Kyiv in June. 

Ukraine 'grateful' to EU for support and candidate status: Zelenskyy

"Free Europe cannot be imagined without a free Ukraine," Zelenskyy also told EU leaders.

"And I'm very grateful to you for the preparation and for giving Ukraine candidate status. I'm very grateful that we are looking at the positive results of our transformation together."

"Thank you so much, that we started the negotiations on membership to the EU. And that will become one more step, one more fundamental break in our joint security. The European Union has given this support which is consistent and large-scale, for the first time in history. We are very grateful to you for this," he added 

Zelenskyy says Russia targeting Moldova

The Ukrainian leader has made a speech to EU leaders in which he said that Ukrainian intelligence "intercepted plan of the destruction of Moldova by the Russian intelligence".

"This document shows who, when and how it's going to break their democracy and establish control over Moldova," he added per the translator. 

He said he contacted Moldova's President Maia Sandu to warn her. 

Earlier this week, the country's prime minister, Natalia Gavrilița, told Euronews that Moscow is conducting a "hybrid war" in Moldova by launching cyber attacks and trying to spark protests. 

Moldova targeted by Russian 'hybrid war': Prime Minister

euronewsThe EU Commission proposed €145 million in new funding last week to support the country's economy and energy security. #EuropeNews

EU needs 'balance between responsibility and solidarity' on migration: Sanchez

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez addressed migration as he talked to journalists upon arrival. 

Madrid wants a "balance between responsibility and solidarity". In addition, it has called for "financial and political" support for policies linked to external action, especially with regard to "work and coordination with the countries of transit and origin", Sánchez said

Zelenskyy's visit to the summit was meanwhile described by the Spanish leader as "a very good opportunity" to express "all our solidarity and the unity of the whole of the EU" in its support for Ukraine.

Sánchez lamented Putin's "unilateral, unjust and unjustified aggression against Ukraine". 

On the Commission's proposal to counter a green subsidies splurge in the US, Sánchez called for the bloc to review its policies in order to "send a clear message and an unequivocal signal to European industry and foreign investors that Europe is willing to reindustrialize in green".

Spain wants a review of state aid and a limited time frame "linked to a much more agile management" of European funds.

We didn't talk about fighter jets in Paris: Macron

The French President told reporters that during his dinner on Wednesday night with Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Olaf Scholz, the issue of fighter jets wasn't raised.

"We didn't have this discussion last night because we focused on what makes this operation possible," Macron said.

"I am convinced that we must give priority to deliveries that are useful for conducting these operations and for resistance rather than commitments that will arrive very late or very far away. And so we have to look at what is deliverable in the short term, what corresponds to the needs that the Ukrainians have detailed," he said. 
 

Here's the Council family picture with Zelenskyy

EU leaders applauded Zelenskyy when he walked down the red carpet with European Council President Charles Michel.

'Europe will always be Europe as long as we're together,' says Zelenskyy

“Dear friends, perhaps some of you didn't feel earlier the power of the European way of life and now together, Ukraine and EU countries, have made our strength obvious,” Zelenskky told MEPs in the final part of his speech.

“We're not going back in front of the enemy. We're not losing time, we're changing ourselves,” he went on. “Europe will always remain Europe as long as we're together, as long as we can take care of our European way of life.”

He concluded his rousing speech by inviting all lawmakers to visit his country and paying homage to all soldier fighting against the brutal invasion launched by Russian.

“Slava Ukaini!” he declared and then briefly switched to English to say “thank you so much.”

A standing ovation then ensued. President Roberta Metsola handed Zelenskyy a flag of the European Union. And, as conclusion, the parliament played the anthem of Ukraine and the Beethoven's “Ode to Joy.”

Europe is 'at least' freed from Russian fossil fuels, says Zelenskyy

Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he plans to personally thank all 27 EU leaders for taking the necessary decisions that “allowed our continent to do what the previous wave of leaders considered to be impossible: Europe at least is relieving itself from the ruinous dependence on Russian fossil fuels.”

“Europe is cleansing itself from the corruption influence of the Russian oligarchic business,” he went on. “Europe is defending itself from the infiltration of Russian secret services who were looking at Europe as the hunting field for the opponents of the Russian regime.”

Germany is country that gives Ukraine the most: Scholz

Olaf Scholz, who met with Zelenskyy and Macron last night in Paris defended his country's track record on Ukraine as he arrived in Brussels.

"Among the EU states, we are now the country that provides the most support - financial, humanitarian, but also the most concrete support in terms of arms deliveries," he said.

Germany came under heavy criticism in January for dithering on whether to allow the export of German-made Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine.

'Each and every one of us matter,' Zelenskyy says as he thanks ordinary Europeans

Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked ordinary Europeans for their support and assistance to Ukraine. Among the professions he listed, Zelenskyy mentioned journalists, security services, police officers, rescue workers, diplomats, teachers, scientists, drivers, doctors, farmers, SMEs, electricity grid workers, trade unions students, NGOs, actors and human rights lawyers.

“The fate of Europe has never depended on politicians,” Zelenskyy said.

“Each and every one of us matter. Each and every one of you are strong. Each and every one of you is capable to impact and influence our common victory.”

The words prompted applause from MEPs, but Zelenskyy quickly added the applause was not for him but for every European who has supported Ukraine “in this historic battle.”

“I'd like to thank all of you in Europe,” he said, leading to a new standing ovation.
Zelenskyy also thanked all those who "spread the truth about Russia" and were not "tempted by Russian disinformation."

'We'll always fight against disrespect and neglect', says Zelenskyy

Volodymyr Zelenskky bluntly accused Russia of waging a “total war” against European values with the help of “dictatorial regimes” such as Iran.

“The Russian regime not only hates any (sort of) social justice and diversity – they invest in xenophobia and try to make it part of normality,” the Ukrainian leader said.

“Wherever we live, we'll always put our faith in integrity for the dreams of our children and our grandchildren,” he continued. “The preconditions (for this) are peace and security.”

EU leaders pledge support to Turkiye and Syria after earthquake

Meanwhile, back in the Council building, EU leaders have adopted conclusions on the earthquake that devastated parts of Türkiye and Syria on Monday morning.

They offered their "deepest condolences" and said the EU "stands in solidarity".

They also expressed their support for a Donor's Conference proposed by the Swedish Presidency to be held in March.

'European way of life is Ukraine's way home,' Zelenskyy tells MEPs

“Slava Ukraini!” President Zelenskyy declared as soon as he took the floor in the European Parliament, prompting another standing ovation from MEPs.

The Ukrainian leader then thanked the Parliament for its consistent support throughout the war.

“Europe is lucky that in this plenary, in the biggest parliament in Europe, in the European Parliament, a principled and energised approach enjoys an absolute majority,” he said, speaking in Ukrainian through a translator.

Zelenskyy then listed the values commonly attributed to the “European way of life,” such as pluralism, diversity of opinion, equality, the right to freely protest and territorial borders that are “not violated".

Put together, these make people have “trust and faith in tomorrow," he said.

“This is our Europe, these are our rules, this is our way of life,” he said. “And for Ukraine, it's a way home.”

"I'm here to defend our people's way home," he added.

Russia, he went, is trying to "annihilate the European way of life through war."

'Ukraine is Europe and your nation's future is in the EU,' Metsola tells Zelenskyy

Roberta Metsola, the President of the European Parliament, delivered an opening speech before Zelenskyy's address. 

She praised Ukraine's courage in its fight for European values, which binds all peoples across the continent as “sisters and brothers.” 

Metsola then called on EU leaders to ensure Ukraine receives “the fastest possible accession process” coupled with funds for reconstruction and more heavy weapons to repel Russia's invasion, including "long-range systems and the jets" it needs. 

“Our response must be proportional to the threat and the threat is existential,” Metsola said.“We have your back,” she told Zelenskyy. 

“We will be with you for as long as it takes.”

“Freedom will prevail, peace will reign and you will win. Slava Ukraini!”

Standing ovation for Zelenskyy as he enters the hemicycle

MEPs got on their feet and received President Volodymr Zelenskyy with a massive standing ovation as the Ukrainian leader entered the hemicycle.

Big expectation inside the European Parliament ahead of Zelenskyy's speech

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine is about to address the European Parliament in what is going to be his first in-person speech there since Russia launched the invasion.

MEPs are pouring into the hemicycle, taking up their seats and chatting with their colleagues. The College of European Commissioners, including President Ursula von der Leyen, are also in attendance.

Some lawmakers are wearing yellow and blue fashion accessories, the national colours of Ukraine. 

Zelenskyy has arrived at the Parliament

President Volodymr Zelenskyy of Ukraine has arrived in the European  Parliament. After being welcomed by President Roberta Metsola, the anthems of Ukraine and the EU, the "Ode to Joy", were played.

EU leaders to meet Zelenskyy in groups

No time for individual bilateral meetings with all 27 leaders so instead groups have been made.

First group is composed of Spain, Sweden, Italy, Poland, Romania, Netherlands.

Also, Zelenskyy is expected to meet with NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg later in the day. The military alliance is headquartered in the Belgian capital. 

Sanctions should target Rosatom, diamonds and banks: Lithuania

President Gitanas Nausėda told reporters Lithuania is "supporting stronger restrictive measures towards Russia because I think that bolder steps, larger steps are much more effective than small steps."

"We are in favour of putting additional companies like Rosatom, members of the board of Rosatom, diamonds, also remaining banks. So I think it would help to have more pronounced impact on the Russian economy," Nausėda said.

Rosatom is Russia's state nuclear energy company. 

It's 'important' there is no circumvention of sanctions, says Kaja Kallas

But weapons are not the only way the EU can help Ukraine and Kallas also called for more sanctions against Russia, especially a more stringent enforcement of those already imposed.

“If we have strong sanctions package, it's important that there is no circumvention around those sanctions,” Kallas told reporters. “I really (welcome) the movement towards criminalisation of circumvention.”

The European Commission has already said the 10th package of sanctions would have a strong focus on closing loopholes and preventing circumvention to ensure the previous rounds of penalties have the desired effect.

The new package is set to be unveiled around the one-year anniversary of Russia's war in Ukraine, on 24 February.

“I'm optimistic” about the upcoming package, said Kallas. “We should give a clear signal for the anniversary.”

“As long as the war is going on, we should do more,” she added.

Kallas also said that member states should listen to each other's needs and considerations when it comes to drafting sanctions, and keep the “unity” they have been showing since Vladimir Putin launched the invasion.

We need to 'speed up' military deliveries: Estonia

Kaja Kallas told reporters upon arrivals that "it's very important that we speed up the military to Ukraine."

"I think that all of us have looked to the warehouses, what we have, but we should do more and we should give a clear signal to (the) European defence industry to produce more.

"And I was thinking that maybe we could use a similar mechanism like we did with the (COVID-19) vaccines so that the European countries will provide funds, European Commission will procure and then it will be sent directly to Ukraine because the price goes up with every delay, with every hesitation, and that could speed up the process so that Ukraine will give or get the military aid in months, not years," she added.

Estonia, however, will not provide fighter jets because it doesn't have such equipment, she said. 

"It's up to those democratic countries to decide whether they can. But it's my plea that everyone should do what they can because the price will go up with every hesitation, with every delay. If you think (that) if we would have given all that we are giving now, already in January, all the countries, I think the outcome would have been different," she said. 

Frozen Russian assets and how to use them to feature high on agenda

EU member states have frozen about €300 billion of Russian central bank assets and Ukraine wants to use this to help pay for the reconstruction.

But this is legally sticky and experts from the EU and G7 countries are looking at different options to tap into those funds. 

In a letter to the Commission and Council chief and to the Swedish PM, who holds the rotating Presidency of the EU Council, the leaders of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland called for the bloc to be "more creative in examining the possible scope and further options to enhance the impact of our measures."

"In our opinion, during the extraordinary European Council in February, we should have a conclusive political discussion, followed by a concrete guidance to the Commission. This guidance will be the basis for the legislative proposal on the use of the frozen assets to support Ukraine's reconstruction, drafted without undue delay," they wrote.

Zelensky lobbies for 'wings for liberty'

The Ukrainian President wants planes, and more heavy weapons and he wants them fast. Ukrainian forces are expecting Russia to start a new major military offensive to coincide with the one-year anniversary of the war on 24 February. 

So in London, he told MPs: "We have freedom. Give us wings to protect it."

And in Paris, he told Macron and Scholz: "The sooner Ukraine gets long-range heavy weaponry, the sooner our pilots get planes, the sooner this Russian aggression will end."

What's on the agenda

Ukraine was always going to be on the agenda as leaders convene in Brussels, as it has been since the war broke out nearly a year ago.

But with Zelenskyy in the room, discussions on military support may be even more pronounced. The Ukrainian leader now wants the West to provide planes for his armies and in London secured training for pilots. 

This comes less than two weeks after Germany caved and agreed to provide Ukrainian forces with Leopard 2 tanks. 

Leaders will also get a recap of what was discussed at the EU-Ukraine summit in Kyiv last week.

But support for Ukraine is not the only issue leaders will tackle

They will also discuss how the bloc can protect and boost the competitiveness of its clean tech industries following the rollout in the US of the Inflation Reduction Act through which hundreds of billions of dollars will be lavished onto US-based manufacturers over the next decade.

And finally, migration and how to curb irregular arrivals, boost cooperation, and crucially solidarity among member states and enhance the protection of the external border.

Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of the EU Council summit in Brussels, made all the more special by the attendance of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.