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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she fully supports a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine that would protect energy infrastructure on both sides and safeguard global food supplies. She disclosed the remarks after a telephone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, announced on her account on the US-based social media platform X.

Von der Leyen said the war had entered a "new and more serious" phase, accusing Moscow of trying to buy time on the battlefield while striking civilians behind the front lines, and she voiced solidarity with Ukraine and Zelensky. US President Donald Trump had earlier announced that a "ceasefire" had been reached on refraining from attacks on energy infrastructure. Zelensky, responding to Trump's call for Ukraine to elect new leadership, had proposed declaring a full 60-day ceasefire with Russia.

The Commission president said Ukraine would be at the center of the EU leaders' summit on October 15-16, where the bloc will address Kyiv's financing needs and how to mobilize international support. She said the EU would provide additional funding this week for drones and missiles to bolster Ukraine's defenses and protect its airspace, and that it was preparing to open two more chapters in the country's membership talks.

Key Takeaways

• Von der Leyen backed a ceasefire protecting energy infrastructure and global food supplies after speaking with Zelensky
• The EU plans extra funding for drones and missiles and is set to open two more accession chapters
• Ukraine will top the agenda of the EU leaders' summit on October 15-16