Zelensky denies tense von der Leyen talks, cites rising war costs

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denied reports of a tense meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in New York, calling the talks "absolutely positive" and focused on securing continued funding for Ukraine. Zelensky said the meeting addressed a financing deficit caused by the rising cost of the war, noting Russia's increased drone use requires more interceptors and additional F-16 armaments. He stated Europe accepts that "the war is getting more expensive." Ukraine requested flexibility on conditions tied to European funding, citing wartime air alerts affecting parliament's work, and will send a financial team to negotiate advancing part of the second tranche, with Zelensky emphasizing the need for drone funding.