Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held talks in New York with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, discussing sanctions pressure on Russia, financial support for Ukraine and strengthening defence cooperation.
Zelenskyy reported about the meetings on his social media channels.
During his talks with Mette Frederiksen, the Ukrainian president stressed that amid Russia’s continued war against Ukraine, the response should be stronger sanctions rather than their easing.
“Every name was included in the sanctions list for a reason: each of them is part of why this war started and continues, why our people are killed every day,” Zelenskyy said.
According to him, the sides also discussed Ukraine’s financial stability, the consequences of Russian attacks and Ukrainian developments aimed at countering jet-powered “Shahed” drones. They also discussed joint defence production and the construction of new facilities.
During the meeting with Ursula von der Leyen, Zelenskyy thanked the European Union for its decision on a €90 billion loan to help Ukraine cover its budget deficit.
“We agreed that the teams will work on other ways of providing financial support as well,” the president said.
Sanctions against Russia were also discussed. Zelenskyy said that amid ongoing Russian strikes against Ukraine, signals about potentially lifting restrictions on some Russian oligarchs are “counterproductive.”
“Wars are ended through determination and strength, not through concessions to those close to the aggressor,” he said.
According to Zelenskyy, he thanked von der Leyen for her readiness to work on adding more Russian individuals to the EU sanctions lists.
Zelenskyy also met with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva. The sides discussed financial support for Ukraine in 2026 and the implementation of commitments made to international partners.
The Ukrainian president briefed the IMF chief on the security situation in Ukraine and changes in Russia’s tactics of aerial attacks.
“The Russians are trying not only to destroy life itself, but also to paralyse the work of businesses and the state as much as possible. That is why macro-financial assistance is especially important for us now,” Zelenskyy said.
He also noted that the Verkhovna Rada has already adopted part of the necessary legislation within the framework of cooperation with international partners, while the remaining decisions are expected to be adopted by the end of the year.
