In brief
The European Council president said two clusters of Ukraine's EU accession negotiations were expected to open next week, with the rest planned by year-end.
European Council President António Costa has invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to join next week's meeting for a discussion on Ukraine, RBC-Ukraine reported on October 8, citing statements following their telephone call.
Costa said two negotiating clusters on Ukraine's accession to the EU were expected to open next week, with the remaining clusters planned by the end of the year. The cited report did not specify the clusters or the meeting's exact date and location.
The leaders also discussed winter energy assistance and further financial support for Ukraine. RBC-Ukraine reported that a meeting involving Zelenskyy, Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen would take place soon, without specifying a date.
Costa condemned intensified Russian attacks on civilian targets in Ukraine and hybrid attacks against EU countries. He said the EU would continue supporting Ukraine until a just and lasting peace was achieved.