European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen backed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s ceasefire appeal during a phone call on October 11. The proposed truce would protect global food supplies and energy infrastructure in both Ukraine and Russia. French President Emmanuel Macron also expressed support for an energy truce.

A call to protect food supplies and energy infrastructure

In a statement posted on X after the call, von der Leyen said she fully supported Zelensky’s proposal. She also expressed solidarity with the Ukrainian people and support for Zelensky as he leads their fight for freedom.

Von der Leyen said the war had entered a grimmer phase. She said Russia was making no progress on the battlefield and was striking civilians far behind the front lines.

Macron backs an energy truce

Macron said France supported a genuine energy truce without reservation and that Ukraine was willing to implement one. He said Russia continued to reject it and had intensified attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure in the preceding hours.

Advertisement

The French president said his country would continue to stand alongside Ukraine and Zelensky. His remarks followed an announcement by US President Donald Trump about an energy ceasefire.

Trump had announced that the ceasefire would take effect immediately, according to a Greek news report. The same report said Zelensky had not been informed of the announcement but would accept it if it was true.

The truce’s terms, monitoring arrangements and implementation status remain unclear, including whether Russia has accepted it.

EU funding and accession talks

Von der Leyen said Ukraine would be at the centre of discussions at the European Council, the forum for EU leaders. The agenda would include the country’s funding needs for the coming year and ways to secure fresh international support.

She also said the EU would provide additional funding for drones and missiles during the week of her statement. The money would strengthen Ukraine’s defences and help protect its airspace. She did not specify the amount or how many weapons it would fund.

Von der Leyen also said two more groups of negotiating chapters were expected to open in Ukraine’s EU accession talks. Those talks concern Ukraine’s bid to join the European Union.