President Nicos Anastasides and Interior Minister Nicos Nouris will press Cyprus’ case at the upcoming European Council summit that the island requires more assistance to manage migration.

They travel to Brussels on Thursday for the meeting which is set to last until Friday.

Anastasiades also spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy during the summit. During his speech, Zelenskiy called for more weapons to fend off Russia’s invasion and a quick start to talks for his country to join the EU, receiving a standing ovation from the summit’s attendees.

Cyprus is expected to sign an International Organisation for Migration deal to secure an additional €13 million in funding to upgrade the Pournara reception centre.

Nouris will also request greater funding as Cyprus provides support to Ukrainian refugees on the island.