On 15 October 2026, the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, began a working visit to Brussels with a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. The main topics of discussion were the strengthening of Ukraine’s air defence, the supply of ballistic missile interceptors and ammunition for F-16 fighter jets. Zelenskyy reported that, since the early hours of 14 October, Russian forces had launched nearly a thousand attack drones at Ukraine. The President also drew attention to restrictions on the operation of Starlink, which are creating additional difficulties for the country’s defence.
- Zelenskyy met with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in Brussels.
- Russia has launched nearly 1,000 drones since the start of 14 October, the president said.
- Ukraine needs additional ballistic missile interceptors.
- The parties discussed the supply of ammunition for the F-16 fighter jets.
- Zelensky highlighted the problems caused by restrictions on Starlink’s operations.
Zelenskyy and Rutte discussed strengthening Ukraine’s air defence
The President of Ukraine began his working visit to the Belgian capital with talks with the Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Mark Rutte. According to Zelenskyy, Ukraine and NATO continue to coordinate their actions closely in order to provide the Ukrainian army with the necessary weapons and to protect the civilian population from Russian strikes.
During the meeting, particular attention was paid to the supply of interceptor missiles capable of countering Russian ballistic missiles.
The supply of fighter jets was discussed separately F-16 the necessary ammunition, as these aircraft play a vital role in countering Russian air attacks.
Zelenskyy emphasised that the new aid packages could have a direct impact on the effectiveness of Ukraine’s air defence and on saving lives.
Russia has launched nearly a thousand drones in just under two days
During the talks, the President drew attention to the sharp increase in Russian air strikes. According to Mr Zelenskyy, between the start of the day on 14 October and the time of his statement on 15 October, Russian forces had deployed nearly 1,000 attack drones against Ukraine.
At the same time, several waves of Russian missiles travelling along ballistic trajectories have been recorded over the past few days. Russian forces continue to attack Ukrainian energy facilities, residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure.
The President emphasised that Russia’s actions were a response to yet another attempt by the US President Donald Trump to achieve a reduction in the intensity of the strikes. According to Zelenskyy, the latest attacks highlight the urgent need to strengthen Ukraine’s air defences.
Zelenskyy highlighted issues with the operation of Starlink
A separate topic of the talks was the restrictions on the operation of the Starlink satellite communication system, which the Ukrainian military uses for communications and to control certain unmanned aerial vehicles.
According to Zelenskyy, these restrictions are creating additional difficulties against the backdrop of intense Russian air strikes.
The Ukrainian side had previously reported problems with the use of Starlink military terminals on drones travelling at high speeds.
Elon Musk stated that the decision regarding restrictions on the military system Starshield are being imposed by the US authorities. Reports of such restrictions do not mean that Starlink’s operations in Ukraine have ceased entirely.
Zelenskyy emphasised that, under the current circumstances, the stability of defence supplies from NATO countries is of particular importance.
Ukraine is working on new air defence systems
During talks with Mark Rutte, the parties discussed ways of speeding up the delivery of the weapons needed to defend Ukrainian airspace. One of the main priorities remains the supply of interceptor missiles for the Patriot systems, which are used to counter ballistic threats.
Ukraine also needs additional ammunition for its F-16 fighter jets, which are being deployed to intercept Russian air targets. According to the President, work on new aid packages is ongoing.
«Literally every day and every hour, new parcels can save the lives of Ukrainian men and women,» emphasised Zelenskyy.
The President thanked the NATO Secretary-General for his support and willingness to help strengthen Ukraine’s defences.
Zelenskyy is to hold further talks with European leaders
The meeting with Mark Rutte marked the start of the Ukrainian President’s busy diplomatic programme in Brussels. As part of his visit, Zelenskyy has also scheduled talks with the President of France Emmanuel Macron, the Prime Ministers of Poland, Denmark and Belgium, as well as an audience with King Philippe of Belgium.
On 16 October, the President plans to meet with the leadership of the European Council and the European Commission, as well as the heads of government of several European countries. The key issues remain military support for Ukraine, strengthening air defences, sanctions pressure on Russia and finding ways to end the war.
Zelenskyy emphasised that concerted action by European partners should enable Ukraine to defend its population more effectively against Russian attacks.
