Zelensky drums up European backing as Trump ties slump

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on EU leaders to provide nearly $80 billion in additional financing for Kyiv's defense next year. According to France 24, Zelensky made this appeal while asserting that he is defending his country during a dispute with US President Donald Trump.

On Friday, October 16, 2026, President Trump signed an executive order suspending a bipartisan package of sanctions against Russia, citing national interest. The legislation, which had passed both the House and the Senate, aimed to reduce Moscow's war revenue by targeting Russian banks, officials, and energy tankers, and by authorizing tariffs of up to 100 per cent on the five largest importers of Russian oil or gas.

The Daily Post Nigeria reports that Democratic lawmakers have criticized the suspension, arguing it could weaken efforts to restrict Russian war financing. Representative Don Beyer stated that lawmakers had anticipated such a move and urged Congress to take action to ensure the law achieves its goals.

Brief written by urgent.news from France 24, Daily Post Nigeria — 2 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.