Ukraine will work 'constructively' with Trump as Zelensky says peace talks with US will take place in Saudi Arabia next week

Former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko

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European leaders warmly welcomed Zelensky at a special defence summit in Brussels on Thursday, in stark contrast to his recent frosty reception at the White House.

"We are here to defend Ukraine," said Antonio Costa, chairman of the meeting, as he and European Commission Chief Ursula von der Leyen greeted the Ukrainian President.

The Brussels summit took place against a backdrop of concerns about Trump's reversal of US policies on Ukraine.

The EU leaders backed plans to spend more on defence, with proposals to jointly borrow up to €150billion for military expenditure.

Zelensky with Ursula von der Leyen (President of the European Commission) & António Costa ( President of the European Council)

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Zelensky told EU leaders that a truce between Russian and Ukrainian forces in the air and at sea would test Moscow's will to end the invasion.

French President Emmanuel Macron opened discussions about extending the protection of France's nuclear arsenal to European partners.

"I want to believe that the United States will stand by us. But we have to be ready if that is not the case," Macron said in an address to the French nation last night.

Norway also announced it will more than double its financial pledge to Ukraine this year.