Brussels, 7 February 2023 (dpa/MIA) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is considering a visit to Brussels, multiple European Parliament staff told dpa on Monday.

An official from the EU legislature told dpa "about the likelihood" of a special sitting of the parliament on Thursday with the Ukrainian president in attendance.

EU leaders are expected in Brussels that same day for a leaders summit. Zelensky would also be expected to attend as a guest.

Zelensky had been invited to attend a summit in person, a spokesperson for EU Council President Charles Michel said on Monday evening.

The visit by Zelensky would only be the second time the Ukrainian president has travelled abroad since Russia invaded his country nearly a year ago. Zelensky visited Washington last December.

No final confirmation is to be given until shortly beforehand for security reasons. There was no initial confirmation of Zelensky's visit from Kiev.

On Friday, Michel and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Kiev for the EU-Ukraine summit to show solidarity and support for the country.

Together with the United States, the European Union is considered Ukraine's closest ally. The EU and its member states have provided nearly €50 billion ($53.6 billion) in aid to date.

In addition to military and civilian aid for Ukraine, the EU has imposed multiple rounds of sanctions on Russia.