On September 22, 2026, during the UN General Assembly in New York, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a meeting with Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission. The main topic of discussion was ensuring Ukraine's financial stability for 2026 and 2027.
Financial Support for Ukraine
Zelensky expressed gratitude for the EU's decision to provide Ukraine with a loan of 90 billion euros. He emphasized that Ukraine is fulfilling all obligations related to this funding in order to maximize the closure of its budget deficit. The leaders agreed that teams from both sides would work on potential additional avenues for financial support.
Sanctions Against Russia
In discussing sanctions, Zelensky pointed out that amid ongoing brutal attacks by Russia on Ukrainian territories, including air alerts occurring even during the General Assembly, signals about possible lifting of sanctions on certain Russian oligarchs appear counterproductive. He stressed that wars end with determination and strength, not leniency towards the aggressor's associates.
Zelensky thanked Ursula von der Leyen for her willingness to work on including new names of Russian oligarchs in the EU sanctions lists, noting that such steps bring closer the achievement of a dignified peace and guaranteed security for Ukraine.