Zelensky, von der Leyen plan to meet at UN as EU releases $3.7 billion for Ukraine

President Volodymyr Zelensky and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen spoke by phone on September 17 to discuss aid for Ukraine and the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in New York. Following their conversation, von der Leyen announced that the EU will release an additional 3.3 billion euros ($3.7 billion) to Ukraine on September 18 for defense purposes.

This aid will be used to purchase missiles and drones for Ukraine's armed forces, bringing the total funding received by Ukraine to 11.7 billion euros ($13.4 billion).

The disbursement is smaller than the previously promised 4.7 billion euros ($5.5 billion) due to delays in processing Ukrainian receipts for military equipment. Disbursements from the support loan can only be processed once Ukraine provides receipts for cross-checking. Zelensky and von der Leyen agreed to meet on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York to discuss solutions to this issue.

During the call, Zelensky expressed satisfaction with the funding details and their progress in resolving the challenges. In her statement after the call, von der Leyen indicated that she would advocate for increased support from Ukraine's non-European allies during her time at the UN General Assembly. She urged other nations to step up their support for Ukraine. Zelensky is expected to meet with multiple world leaders at the UN event, potentially including a one-on-one meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.