Ukrainian president tells EU leaders that Kyiv has ‘paid the ultimate price’ and deserves accelerated accession, framing it as essential for continental security amid ongoing war with Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for the European Union to fast-track Ukraine’s membership, arguing that the country’s accession is not only a matter of justice but a strategic necessity for Europe’s long-term stability and security.
Speaking at a recent EU summit in Brussels, Zelenskyy urged leaders to open all remaining accession negotiation clusters swiftly and endorse a fast-tracked path for Ukraine. “Ukraine deserves full EU membership more than any other European country,” he said, highlighting the immense sacrifices Ukrainians have made in defending the continent against Russian aggression.
Security and solidarity at stake:
Zelenskyy framed Ukraine’s EU bid as central to Europe’s future. He emphasised that Ukraine’s battle-hardened military experience and its role as a frontline defender against Russia make its integration vital for the bloc’s collective security. The Ukrainian leader also expressed hope that the war could end by the end of the year, while calling for continued European support, including air defence systems and energy assistance ahead of winter.
The push comes shortly after Ukraine formally opened the first cluster of accession negotiations, marking a historic step in its EU journey. Kyiv has been accelerating domestic reforms in banking, insurance, and other sectors to meet EU standards, even as fighting continues.
Ukraine EU Membership Bid Faces Divisions as Talks Intensify:
While several EU member states, particularly in Eastern Europe, strongly back accelerated integration, others remain cautious about the timeline and the implications of fast-tracking such a large candidate nation during wartime. Concerns include rule-of-law reforms, economic integration, and the need for unanimous approval among all 27 members.
Some analysts view Ukraine’s EU accession as a potential cornerstone of any future peace agreement with Russia. Zelenskyy has rejected ideas of “associate” or second-tier membership, insisting on full and equal participation with voting rights.
Ukraine applied for EU membership days after Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022 and was granted candidate status later that year. Progress has been notable, but traditional timelines for accession-often spanning years or decades-are being tested by the geopolitical urgency of the conflict.
As negotiations advance, the coming months will be critical in determining whether the EU can deliver on its promises of enlargement while balancing internal divisions and the demands of wartime realities.