On 9 and 10 February, the European Council held a special summit to address the Russian war against Ukraine and the EU’s assistance to the country in the presence of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The EU leaders and the president of Ukraine discussed Russia's aggression and the EU's support for Ukraine. 

President Zelenskyy also spoke before the European Parliament during a special Plenary meeting. With an eye on the future, President Zelenskyy urged the EU and Ukraine to work together to establish a shared European future. 

In addition, President Zelenskyy had a side discussion with European Council President Charles Michel. President Michel reaffirmed EU’s commitment to supporting Ukraine while holding Russia accountable whereas President Zelenskyy voiced his appreciation for EU’s miliary assistance to Ukraine. In order to further peace, both presidents emphasised the significance and necessity of strong international cooperation. 

While at the centre of discussions in the sport world this week, the topic of the potential inclusion of Russian and Belarussian athletes to international sport events was not discussed officially within EU institutions. President Zelensky is set to address a group of Sports Ministers during a videoconference on the topic today, Friday 10 February, organised at the initiative of the UK government. Earlier this week, President Zelenskyy expressed his disagreement with IOC’s decision to explore pathways to potentially allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete at the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games under strict conditions, and urged the international community to oppose this decision as well.