EU links further Ukraine aid to rule-of-law progress

European Union officials have told Ukraine that further monetary aid depends on progress on legislation to curb the shadow economy, boost tax revenue, and align with EU law. The demand follows a tense meeting between EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in New York. Ukrainians voiced concerns about Russian escalation over winter with limited air defences, and were outraged at the EU removing sanctions on two Russian oligarchs. Von der Leyen said €37 billion remains available this year, but Kyiv has requested faster disbursement of a US$104 billion loan and help with a US$30 billion budget hole. Tensions are emerging between Kyiv and supporters after more than four years of war. Zelenskyy proposed an energy truce with Russia, asked for Patriot missiles and production licenses, and said European partners shared concerns about "increasing risks of Russian aggressive steps against other European countries."