President Volodymyr Zelensky urged Belgium to accelerate deliveries of F-16 fighter jets and provide additional ammunition during talks with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever on Thursday, Oct. 15, as Russia intensified its attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
The discussions came as fresh Russian strikes targeted energy facilities in two Ukrainian regions, leaving nearly 15,000 people without electricity in Volyn and causing partial blackouts in Kyiv and the surrounding region.
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In some communities, repair crews could not even begin restoring power because of the threat of further Russian strikes, Zelensky said in a Facebook statement following the meeting.
Zelensky briefed De Wever on the consequences of Russia’s round-the-clock attacks on residential buildings, energy facilities and other critical infrastructure, emphasizing Ukraine’s urgent need for stronger air defenses.
According to the Ukrainian leader, F-16 fighter jets were proving particularly effective against Russia’s jet-powered Shahed drones.
“F-16s are now helping significantly in repelling attacks by jet-powered Shaheds,” Zelensky said.
“We are working with Belgium to receive additional fighter jets as soon as possible. We also discussed the possibility of additional ammunition deliveries for them. Every decision on defense support saves lives,” he added.
Belgium has committed to supplying F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, with the first aircraft scheduled for delivery in 2026.
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Zelensky began his visit to Brussels by meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, after which he is scheduled to meet with France’s president, and the prime ministers of Poland, Denmark, and Belgium.
During an earlier meeting in Brussels on June 18, Zelensky and De Wever discussed the delivery schedule, with the Ukrainian president emphasizing the importance of avoiding delays in subsequent shipments.
The Belgian prime minister also outlined preparations for a new defense assistance package and further contributions to NATO’s Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative, which helps finance urgently needed American weapons for Ukraine.
Ukraine and Belgium had reportedly reached an agreement to transfer three F-16 fighter jets by the end of 2026, alongside urgent ammunition deliveries.
During separate talks with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Brussels on Thursday, Zelensky said Russia had launched almost 1,000 drones since the beginning of Wednesday, Oct. 14.
He stressed the need for continued deliveries of ballistic missile interceptors and F-16 ammunition, particularly as Ukraine faced restrictions on Starlink operations.
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