The key facts

  • Zelensky arrived in Brussels; it is discussed whether Europe can give Kyiv security guarantees without the US
  • A first bilateral meeting between Zelensky and Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar is scheduled — a signal of a reset after Orbán's departure
  • The European Council held a prolonged evening session; US attacks on the ICC and frozen Russian assets were discussed

Zelensky's visit to Brussels

Euronews' 'Europe Today' programme of 16 October 2026 aired against the backdrop of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Brussels. Correspondent Sasha Vakulina reported on the arrival of the Ukrainian leader and interviewed his deputy chief of staff. The focus was on how seriously Ukraine is considering reducing its dependence on American military technology, and whether Europe can actually provide Kyiv with the necessary security guarantees without US involvement. The outlet describes tensions between Kyiv and Washington as the context of the visit.

Meeting with Hungary's new prime minister

Correspondent Sándor Zsiros reported from the European Council ahead of the first official bilateral meeting between Zelensky and Hungary's new Prime Minister Péter Magyar. In Euronews' assessment, this meeting is the first signal of a reset in relations between Kyiv and Budapest after Viktor Orbán's departure.

A prolonged European Council session

Correspondent Shona Murray reported from the European Council on an evening session that, contrary to expectations, ran far longer. She examined what happened at the session and where the repeatedly declared unity had 'gone'. The programme also featured an interview with Thomas Byrne, Ireland's Minister for EU Affairs.

The ICC and frozen assets

Dirk Gotink, a Dutch Member of the European Parliament from the European People's Party, discussed on air whether Europe should enter into an open dispute with the United States over their attacks on the International Criminal Court. A separate topic was why the use of frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine remains a difficult task.