Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen discussed new security proposals and financing for Ukraine’s defense during a phone call on Sept. 17. Zelenskyy thanked von der Leyen for addressing Ukraine and broader security issues in her annual State of the Union address. He welcomed an initiative to use remaining SAFE funds to finance new defense projects involving Ukraine and the European Union. The leaders also reviewed steps to strengthen Ukraine’s defense resilience and discussed efforts to resolve funding challenges. According to the Ukrainian president’s office, potential solutions are being prepared. Zelenskyy and von der Leyen agreed to meet in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. Post navigation Magnitude 6.5 Earthquake Strikes West of Nikolski, Alaska