Zelensky denies reports of tense talks with von der Leyen in New York

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denied media reports that his meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in New York was tense, calling it "absolutely positive." Zelensky said the talks were well-prepared following prior phone discussions, covering Ukraine's financing deficit worsened by rising war costs and linking some EU funds to laws passed by Ukraine's parliament. He explained parliament cannot operate normally during wartime. Ukraine will send a financial team to negotiate early access to part of the second tranche of funds, which Zelensky said are needed for drones. Bloomberg had previously reported the meeting as strained.