Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy will brief EU leaders in person at the informal summit taking place in Cyprus on Thursday and Friday.

Zelenskiy, who had initially been expected to address the informal meeting of EU heads of state and government via teleconference on developments in Russia’s war against Ukraine, will instead attend and deliver his update in person.

Last week, Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna had said that the Ukrainian president had been invited but was expected to participate via videoconference. At the time, she noted that his intervention would take place ahead of a working dinner scheduled for April 23 in Ayia Napa.

Zelenskiy’s physical presence is seen as a significant development for the summit, where EU leaders are expected to discuss ongoing support for Ukraine and broader geopolitical challenges stemming from the war.

The informal summit in Cyprus brings together European leaders at a time of continued tensions in eastern Europe, with the conflict in Ukraine remaining high on the bloc’s agenda.