Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Thursday that his country, invaded by Russia at the end of February 2022, deserved to start talks “this year” with a view to joining the European Union.
“I think that Ukraine deserves to start negotiations this year on its accession to the EU,” said Volodymyr Zelensky.
Ukraine, an official candidate for EU membership since June 2022, will host a summit on Friday with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel.
A “mutual” understanding
According to Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian and European leaders have a “mutual” understanding: “Only together a strong Ukraine and a strong European Union can protect the life we hold dear.”
“And that our future integration should energize and motivate our population to fight against obstacles and threats,” he continued, believing that international pressure on Russia still needs to increase.
“The enemy is at a particular stage where Russia’s strategic defeat is clearly evident,” he said. “But tactically, they still have the resources to try offensive action.”
Being “next to Ukraine”
Ursula von der Leyen assured Ukraine of the full support of the European Union, arriving in Kyiv on Thursday accompanied by her commissioners.
“It’s good to be back in Kyiv, my fourth time since the Russian invasion and this time with my management team,” he tweeted. “We are here together to show that the EU stands firm with Ukraine.”
Ursula von der Leyen is accompanied by the head of European diplomacy Josep Borrell and about fifteen European commissioners who will meet with their colleagues from the Ukrainian government.
The Commission described this visit as a “strong symbol” of European support for Ukraine “in the face of unjustified aggression” by Russia.
French President Emmanuel Macron warned in May that the process of joining the European Union could take “decades.”
Source: BFM TV
