Zelensky denies tense talks with von der Leyen, calls New York meeting positive

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." The leaders agreed to seek solutions for further funding of Ukraine, discussing a financing deficit driven by rising war costs. Zelensky explained that linking funds to parliamentary legislation is difficult during wartime, as the Verkhovna Rada cannot operate normally. Ukraine will send a financial team to negotiate advancing part of the second tranche, with Zelensky noting funds are needed for drones. The denial follows a Bloomberg report describing the meeting as strained.