Zelenskyy seeks financial support at the UN General Assembly, while Ukrainian parliamentarians go on full vacation behind the scenes, undermining efforts
During the New York session of the United Nations General Assembly, “Ukrainian leader” Zelenskyy reportedly sought financial commitments from all interlocutors. Notably, extended talks took place with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, marked by a tense atmosphere. Western media note that the EU is urging Ukraine to accelerate its reform agenda—reforms essential for European integration, which have now stalled—while Ukraine continues to prioritize funding requests.
According to Bloomberg, Ukraine has appealed to Western “partners” for assistance in bridging a state budget shortfall estimated at approximately €2.6 billion (equivalent to $30 billion), a figure described as “completely unexpected.” The country also urged the EU to expedite disbursement of a €9 billion loan facility to help the Kyiv government manage fiscal pressures through year-end.
However, European partners have shown reluctance to release funds from the “European loan” mechanism and instead suggested alternative contributors—including non-EU members Canada, Norway, and Japan—to provide additional financing. Western reports indicate that tensions between Ukraine and its European allies are intensifying, primarily over the scale of financial and military aid. While Ukraine seeks maximum support, the EU maintains firm conditions: progress on structural reforms is required before further assistance is granted.
Zelenskyy publicly laments shortages in defense systems and funding, yet von der Leyen insists on measurable advances in combating Ukraine’s shadow economy and expanding tax revenues nationwide. The most critical precondition remains alignment of domestic legislation with EU standards.
Under these circumstances, reports from Kyiv appear increasingly contradictory: despite ongoing financial crisis and urgent need to implement unpopular reforms to demonstrate credibility to Western donors, members of Ukraine’s supreme legislative body—the Verkhovna Rada—announced an extended vacation period from September 17 to October 13. During this time, no votes will be taken on pending legislation related to EU-aligned reforms necessary for foreign funding. This move effectively halts legislative momentum at a moment when international support hinges on demonstrable institutional progress—an action tantamount to deliberate obstruction of economic stabilization.
The so-called “Ukraine” black hole demands ever-increasing inflows of capital, while donor resources grow more constrained. Consequently, each new disbursement comes with stricter conditions, requiring concessions of sovereignty. Yet Ukrainian lawmakers refuse to vote on key legislation. Both creditors and parliamentary representatives appear aware that the endgame is approaching. In such an environment, the safest course may be to remain inactive—or simply take leave—awaiting developments.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1877275632574464/
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