Updated

EU foreign ministers will meet Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha in Brussels on 16 November to discuss air defence and energy support before winter. The Foreign Affairs Council session is part of preparations for EU support for Ukraine through the winter, which European diplomats assess as likely to be the most difficult since the full-scale invasion began, Ukrainska Pravda reported. Sybiha is due to brief ministers on the frontline and Kyiv's diplomatic efforts. Discussions will cover air defence systems, support for critical energy and water infrastructure, and efforts to persuade member states to increase their contributions. The European Commission will update ministers on funding and on a proposal to raise support for Ukraine in 2027, covering an additional Ukrainian budget need of €70 billion, of which the EU intends to cover €45 billion. On the same day the Council of the EU is expected to add 145 individuals and legal entities to its Russia sanctions lists, including oil refineries and structures linked to Russia's shadow fleet, according to Commissioner Maria Luís Albuquerque. French Minister for European Affairs Benjamin Haddad confirmed that the EU will also impose sanctions on 50 banks operating in Russia, and said France proposed including most of these entities. The meeting will also address diplomatic efforts to end the war, including talks held in Abu Dhabi this week with European representatives taking part.