President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen held tense negotiations in New York regarding further financial support for Ukraine. The main topic was Kyiv’s need for additional funds amidst the war and future winter risks.
This is reported by Bloomberg, citing sources.
The Ukrainian side drew the allies’ attention to the risk of intensified Russian attacks in winter and the lack of air defense means to protect cities. Kyiv also expressed dissatisfaction with the EU’s decision to lift sanctions on two Russian oligarchs.
According to Bloomberg, Ukraine asked partners to help cover a budget deficit estimated at around $30 billion and to accelerate the provision of a €90 billion loan earmarked by the EU.
At the same time, the EU expects further progress from Kyiv in implementing reforms. This includes the fight against the shadow economy, increasing domestic tax revenues, and aligning Ukrainian legislation with EU standards.
The European Commission officially confirms that the €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan provides financing for Ukraine’s needs in 2026–2027, with payments made according to agreed conditions and control mechanisms.
The EU also called on other international partners, including Canada, Norway, and Japan, to contribute to covering Ukraine’s financial needs. The EU previously emphasized that its loan should cover only part of Ukraine’s overall need for external financing, while other partners should provide the rest.
After the meeting, Zelensky stated that the parties plan to return to discussions in about 7–10 days to try to find a solution regarding further support.
Volodymyr Zelensky received a reprimand.
Diplomatically, this is called a “difficult conversation” with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
I can attest that Mrs. Ursula holds Ukraine in high regard and with great support, and she treats Zelensky with angelic patience and understanding. But everything can be ruined by playing the fool for too long.
There will be no money until there are reforms.
And no, it’s not about parcel taxes or digital platforms, not even about VAT for sole proprietors, which is what bloggers scare the authorities with. It is clearly about the rule of law. The rule of law in our terms.
Everything that all European institutions have been tirelessly reminding for several years. And the European Parliament, in particular, called just before the bureaucrats of the Office of the President and the Supreme Court judges of the Supreme Court broke on the case of “sanctions” against Poroshenko.
Kachka-Kos list.
The State Bureau of Investigation – reboot.
In the prosecutor’s office – competitions.
State Financial Monitoring – change leadership.
Anti-corruption strategy – adopt and implement.
In courts – ensure transparency and fairness.
Strengthen NABU and SAP.
And in general – don’t mess up. Sanctions for political purposes, court decisions under pressure… All this is incompatible with the rule of law.
So it’s either this or European money.
Interesting, what will the military choose? Or the doctor or teacher? Or the entrepreneur?
And what does the government choose?
And who does it “serve” then?
It seems that Ursula von der Leyen’s nerves are already failing. She is even fed up with conversations with the Ukrainian authorities “about nothing.”
Mrs. Ursula clearly stated that Europe has 37 billion euros for us, but it won’t give them because no reforms are being conducted in Ukraine.
What reforms?
Rebooting the State Bureau of Investigation.
Restoring competitions for the appointment of Prosecutor General’s leadership.
Changing the leadership of the State Financial Monitoring.
Court transparency.
Strengthening NABU and SAP.
And the cherry on the cake – the Kachka-Kos list. That is, a list of 10 priority anti-corruption reforms that Ukraine committed to launching in 2026!
Without all this, there will be no European money for Ukraine. And Ukraine needs the money badly right now. Because.
The Association of Ukrainian Cities has just announced a halt to community payments for energy protection, preparations for the heating season, elimination of shelling consequences, and restoration of critical infrastructure. The state already owes heating supply companies 85 billion UAH. Something urgently needs to be done.
Meanwhile, Parliament is on break until October 13. Obviously, someone does not want to implement the reforms demanded by the West. These reforms threaten someone’s hold on power.
Nevertheless, something will have to be done. The passage of the heating season is at stake. This is no laughing matter.
Photo: OPU
