EU foreign ministers are set to discuss the Ukraine war, Middle East developments, and security issues in the Black Sea during a key meeting in Brussels. The gathering marks the first Foreign Affairs Council meeting under Ireland’s EU Presidency and will focus on major international challenges.
Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Helen McEntee is attending the meeting, where support for Ukraine is expected to remain a central topic. She said helping Ukraine will be one of Ireland’s main priorities during its six-month leadership of the European Union.
The meeting will include discussions on Russia’s ongoing military actions against Ukraine and possible new measures to increase pressure on Moscow. Irish officials said further sanctions against Russia remain an important foreign policy goal during the presidency.
McEntee will also co-host a special event with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas. The event will focus on Ukrainian detainees held in occupied areas of Ukraine and highlight concerns over their treatment and rights.
The talks come as fighting continues between Russia and Ukraine, with both sides carrying out attacks in recent days. Ukrainian drone strikes have hit several areas inside Russia, according to regional officials.
Officials in Russia said drone attacks killed four people and injured seven others. Most of the reported casualties occurred in the Moscow region. The strikes came as Ukraine increased attacks against Russian targets in response to continued Russian attacks on Ukrainian territory.
Moscow region Governor Andrey Vorobyov said three people were killed and three others injured after a drone fell in the settlement of Pionersky in Istra. He also said air defence systems destroyed 81 drones over the region.
In Russia’s Belgorod region, which borders Ukraine, local authorities reported that a woman was killed in a drone strike in Berezovka. Two men were also injured in another attack in Krinichnoye.
A separate drone attack targeted the southern Stavropol region, where officials reported a fire at an industrial area. Governor Vladimir Vladimirov said emergency and firefighting teams were sent to control the situation. No casualties were reported from that incident.
Ukraine has defended its strikes inside Russia, saying they are a response to years of Russian attacks. Kyiv has focused some strikes on energy-related targets, arguing that these actions are aimed at limiting Russia’s ability to continue the war.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s international partners are preparing for another major meeting focused on ending the conflict. Leaders from Ukraine’s supporting countries are expected to meet in Paris to discuss ways to increase pressure on Russia and encourage peace talks.
The meeting of the Coalition of the Willing was created by France and the United Kingdom to support Ukraine after Russia launched its full-scale invasion. The group plans to discuss possible steps toward a ceasefire and renewed diplomatic efforts.
At least 25 heads of state are expected to attend the Paris meeting, according to French officials. The discussions will take place shortly before France’s national holiday, Bastille Day.
Diplomatic efforts to end the war have faced difficulties in recent months. International leaders continue to call for negotiations, but disagreements over security guarantees, territory, and future relations between Russia and Ukraine remain major challenges.
The EU foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels comes at a critical time as European governments review their long-term support for Ukraine. Officials are expected to discuss military assistance, humanitarian needs, and further diplomatic steps.
As the Ukraine War Talks continue, European leaders are focused on maintaining support for Kyiv while searching for possible solutions to bring the conflict closer to an end. The latest meetings show that diplomacy remains a key part of international efforts to address the ongoing war.
