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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy flew to Brussels on Thursday to lobby European Union leaders for more weapons - above all, fighter jets - and a quick start to talks for his country to join the EU.

After spending the night in Paris where he had dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, he and Macron boarded Macron's plane for the short flight to Brussels.

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Josep Borrell, who chairs EU summits, told reporters the EU's 27 national leaders would promise more military support for Ukraine.

While Zelenskiy is not likely to walk away with specific pledges that satisfy his request for warplanes and long range missiles, the visit gives him a chance to make his case in person.

Ukraine submitted its application to join the EU days after Russia launched its full-scale invasion last year, and now wants formal membership talks to start within months. Brussels has welcomed the bid but says the process is likely to take years.

Zelenskiy's European trip is just his second known time out of his country since the war began, following a surprise visit to Washington in December. He has been feted as a war-time hero by Western leaders that have backed Ukraine with weapons.