EU presses Ukraine on democratic reform

EU officials met with Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy in New York, urging him to advance democratic reforms such as curbing the shadow economy and bolstering tax revenue before releasing more financial aid. The EU has €37 billion still available for Ukraine this year but requires evidence of progress on reform legislation in Ukraine’s parliament, known as the Rada. During the tense meeting, Zelenskyy expressed concern about Russia potentially escalating its attacks over winter with limited air defenses to protect Ukrainian cities. Meanwhile, Ukraine is growing frustrated with some European allies' reluctance to supply critical defense interceptors needed against Russian missiles. The EU also drew criticism for lifting sanctions on two Russian oligarchs as part of a deal to extend other sanctions, angering the Ukrainians further.