The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, is slated to address attendees as the European Council summit opens in Reykjavik. Reports from European Reality indicate that his remarks will follow the opening address given by Icelandic Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdóttir, setting the tone for conversations across the continent about security, defense, and unity.
The summit, scheduled for May 16-17, gathers a who’s who of European leadership. Among the notable figures are French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, all expected to participate in discussions that shape the bloc’s next steps in the political and economic arena.
On the eve of Zelensky’s public statements, it was noted that his ongoing travel through European capitals aligns with Ukraine’s broader defense strategy. Ukrainian officials and military advisers have emphasized that the country continues to prepare for potential counteroffensive operations, while also underscoring that timing remains a critical element and that patience is sometimes essential within such high-stakes planning cycles.
Analysts like Sky News’ International Affairs Editor, Dominic Waghorn, view Zelensky’s European pilgrimage as a clear signal of Kyiv’s urgency to secure reliable defense supplies. The visits underscore Kyiv’s push for sustained Western support, including arms and ammunition, to ensure that Ukrainian forces retain the capability to deter aggression and respond decisively when conditions on the ground allow.
Earlier in the week, Zelensky traveled to the United Kingdom, where discussions with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak touched on building a coalition of partners committed to supporting Ukraine’s security goals. The conversations highlighted the importance of allied unity and practical aid channels, aimed at ensuring Kyiv can sustain its defense posture during the evolving conflict and any forthcoming operations.