Zelensky and von der Leyen hold tense talks in New York

Bloomberg reports that talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in New York were tense, according to an informed source. The meeting covered continued financial and defense support for Ukraine. Kyiv expressed concerns about potential intensified Russian attacks in winter and a shortage of anti-aircraft missiles. Ukraine was also angered by the EU's agreement to lift sanctions on two Russian oligarchs as part of a sanctions extension deal. Von der Leyen stated on X that Europe is increasing efforts to strengthen Ukraine's defense, citing a new missile program, 37 billion euros in support this year, and more budget aid pending reforms. On September 22, Ukrainian Vice-Prime Minister Vsevolod Chentsov presented the EU Council's working group on enlargement with Ukraine's progress on EU accession commitments.