Zelenskyy urges tougher EU sanctions on Russia; von der Leyen ties further budget support to Rada reforms

# Meeting in New York: sanctions, money, and reforms

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met and focused on three linked priorities: increasing sanctions pressure on Russia, securing Ukraine's financial stability, and advancing reforms in Ukraine's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada.

Sanctions: Zelenskyy's demand

Zelenskyy pressed the EU to add names to its sanctions lists and tighten pressure on Russia. He said signals about lifting sanctions against certain Russian oligarchs are "suicidal and counterproductive," arguing that concessions to influential figures close to the Kremlin would undermine Ukraine's position while the war continues. He thanked von der Leyen for her willingness to work on expanding the EU lists.

Financial support and budget stability

The leaders reviewed Ukraine's finances and how to maintain stability this year and next. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the EU decision on the €90 billion loan package and said Ukraine is meeting obligations to reduce its budget deficit. He said the two sides agreed their teams will look for other financial support channels beyond that loan.

Von der Leyen stressed Europe is increasing defense support and said budgetary assistance will follow political progress. She stated that "more defence support is coming" and that "as reforms in the Rada progress, more budget support too." She also noted that €37 billion of EU funding remains available in the current calendar year.

Defense cooperation and production

Von der Leyen mentioned a potential new EU-Ukraine missile defense program designed to rapidly boost production volumes. She framed this as part of Europe's stepped-up effort to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities and said she was calling on global leaders in New York to step up support for Ukraine's defense.

Reforms in the Verkhovna Rada as a condition

Von der Leyen linked additional budgetary assistance to the advancement of reforms in Ukraine's parliament. Her public statements tied the flow of more EU budget support to measurable progress on those reforms, indicating the EU expects political and rule-of-law steps at the parliamentary level before unlocking further funds.

Tone and stakes

Next steps