European Union protests in support of Ukraine amid Trump's impasse

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has asked EU leaders for an extra $79 billion to help fight Russia next year.

European Union leaders have called for continued support for Ukraine amid a deepening rift between Washington and Kiev that has raised concerns that the country could be more vulnerable to Russian attacks this winter.

On Friday, the second and last day of the European Union Summit in Brussels, with the presence of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the senior officials of the European Union emphasized the need to continue arming Ukraine and sanctioning Russia.

List of 3 items List 1 of 3 items Trump criticizes Zelensky for resuming Ukraine's attacks on Russian oil refineries

List 2 of 3 Things Trump Denied Using a Nuclear Bomb on Iran: Why It Matters

List 3 of 3 US in 'Nuclear Disarmament' Talks with Russia and China: Trump

"Now is not the time to cancel support for Ukraine," said Antonio Costa, president of the European Council, who stands by the Ukrainian leader. "Now is not the time to lift sanctions on Russia, now is the time to increase our support and increase our pressure."

The European Union is hosting Zelenskiy at one of the most difficult moments for Ukraine, four and a half years after neighboring Russia invaded Ukraine.

Russian missiles and drones have rained down on Ukrainian cities daily, and Kiev's strained relationship with the United States has raised concerns that Washington could withhold vital intelligence sharing and weapons support.

Entering the summit, Zelenskiy thanked the EU leaders for their support and called them "real leaders".

The comments appeared to be a dig at US President Donald Trump, who blindsided Ukraine's president last weekend by announcing that Kiev and Moscow had agreed not to target each other's energy facilities.

Zelensky abandoned the deal on Thursday, saying Russia had failed to live up to it, a move Trump called a "disgrace."

Trump has also angered Ukraine by suspending sanctions on Russian oil products and signing a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to supply large quantities of diesel to world markets.

"This diesel contract will never be enough to neutralize the impact of the Strait of Hormuz on world markets," Zelensky said on the sidelines of the summit. "But it will put more money directly into Putin's pocket to finance this war."

He also accused the Russian leader of having no real interest in peace talks.

Zelensky said: Putin does not want peace talks at all. He plays with words... so simple, it seems to mimic a genuine desire to end the war.

Zelensky has asked EU leaders for an additional 70 billion euros ($79 billion) in funding next year to continue the fight against Russia, in response to expected winter attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure.

"The war will cost 155 billion euros ($174 billion) next year and we need at least 70 billion euros more from you - for defense, for weapons and for our resistance," the Ukrainian president said.

This is a real value. And I want you to find that support. This will help us hold back Russia."

Rosie Birchard from Al Jazeera, in a report of the summit meeting in Brussels, Zelensky said: Zelensky made an emotional request for European support and air defense systems were at the top of his wish list.

Zelensky called on European countries to tap into their reserves to help meet Ukraine's needs during the colder winter months, Birchard said. But of course, this means that some European countries are potentially jeopardizing their national security.

"Last winter was already hell, this winter is going to be hell again," Mikal said.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, pledged that the EU would support Ukraine during the winter.

"Russia is doing everything to destroy the energy and water infrastructure. But we are with you. We will support you like in other winters," he said.

Austria, however, was cautious in discussing new and extensive financial commitments to Ukraine.

Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker said: "There are so many figures being discussed that we now have to put them in context, explain them and make it clear where this shortage is coming from."

Al Jazeera's Birchard said that Europe's general solidarity for Zelensky is in stark contrast to recent messages from Washington. "He is once more, at least, among friends," he said.

However, Birchard added that behind closed doors, some European officials are said to be asking Zelensky to "tone down" his public criticism of Trump because they worry it will embarrass Europeans.

"Of course, they [European authorities] want to show that they are close to Ukraine, that they support Zelensky, but they also don't want to antagonize America," he said.

Friday's meeting came as Russian attacks killed three people in Kharkiv and left hundreds of thousands without power in Ukraine.

The Kremlin said last week that Ukraine had undermined the prospect of an immediate resumption of peace talks after a drone attack on Moscow during last month's election.