Zelenskyy met with von der Leyen in New York
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in New York. The main topics of discussion were sanctions against Russia, financial support for Ukraine, and the situation amid the war. Zelenskyy stated that lifting restrictions on certain Russian oligarchs at this time would be the wrong move.
During his visit to New York, Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The talks took place on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. One of the main topics was the European Union’s sanctions policy toward Russia. Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine advocates for further increasing pressure on the Russian government and businesses linked to the aggressor country.
According to the president, reports of a possible lifting of sanctions against certain Russian oligarchs are causing serious concern in Kyiv. “At a time when Russia is inflicting brutal blows on our people—and even now, during the General Assembly, air raid alerts continue in many regions due to drones and ballistic missiles, signals about lifting sanctions against certain Russian oligarchs seem self-defeating and counterproductive,” Zelenskyy said.
The president emphasized that, in his view, ending the war requires not easing pressure on Russia, but rather the opposite—a firm stance and further restrictions. “Wars are ended through resolve and strength, not by making concessions to the aggressor’s cronies,” Zelenskyy said.
Zelenskyy thanked von der Leyen for her work on sanctions
At the same time, the president thanked Ursula von der Leyen for her willingness to work on expanding the EU’s sanctions lists. This involves the possible addition of new Russian names to the lists. Zelenskyy believes that it is precisely the tightening of sanctions that should put additional pressure on Russia and its economy. “It is precisely such steps that bring us closer to a dignified peace and guaranteed security,” the president emphasized.
Ukraine has also recently continued to expand its own sanctions lists. In particular, in September, Zelenskyy signed a series of decrees imposing new restrictions on Russian companies, individuals, and vessels. Earlier, Zelenskyy had separately stated that easing sanctions on Russian businesses that support the war is unacceptable. Among the Russian businessmen he mentioned in this context were Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman.
They also discussed funding for Ukraine
Ukraine’s financial stability was a separate topic of the meeting. Zelenskyy noted that it is important for Kyiv to secure sufficient resources not only now but also next year. The president thanked the European Union for its decision to provide a large financial loan to Ukraine. According to him, the Ukrainian side is fulfilling the necessary conditions so that these funds can help close the budget deficit as much as possible. “We are grateful for the decision on the 90-billion EU loan, and Ukraine is fulfilling the obligations associated with it to cover the budget deficit as much as possible,” Zelenskyy said.
He also noted that the Ukrainian and European teams have agreed to explore additional options for financial support. This issue remains critical for Ukraine, as the war is placing a significant strain on the state budget. In particular, Kyiv needs to secure funding for defense, social benefits, and the operations of government agencies.
The EU continues to prepare aid for Ukraine
The meeting between Zelenskyy and von der Leyen took place against the backdrop of new EU decisions regarding support for Ukraine. The day before, von der Leyen announced the preparation of new funding for Ukrainian defense. Specifically, the EU planned to allocate 3.3 billion euros for missiles and ammunition. The EU is also discussing the use of remaining funds from the SAFE program for new joint defense projects with Ukraine.
Earlier, the European Union had allocated 1 billion euros to Ukraine for the purchase of drones as part of the 2026–2027 loan program to support Ukraine. Therefore, during the meeting, the parties discussed not only sanctions but also how Europe can continue to help Ukraine withstand the war.
Zelenskyy Holds Meetings in New York
The meeting with von der Leyen was one of Zelenskyy’s meetings during his stay in New York for the UN General Assembly. The Ukrainian president is also holding talks with American politicians and leaders of other countries. The day before, he met with a bipartisan delegation of U.S. senators. Among other things, they discussed strengthening sanctions against Russia and Ukraine’s need for ballistic missile defense systems.
Thus, during his meeting with Ursula von der Leyen, Zelenskyy focused on two main issues—further sanctions pressure on Russia and financial support for Ukraine. Kyiv expects the European Union not to ease restrictions against Russia, but to further tighten them and adopt new measures to support Ukraine. The head of state announced this on Facebook.
Ukraine has proposed that Russia agree to cease attacks on energy facilities. Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Kyiv is prepared to refrain from attacking Russian oil refineries and other energy infrastructure if Moscow also stops its attacks on the Ukrainian power grid. According to the president, the U.S. should convey this proposal to the Russian side.
