Volodymyr Zelensky said that there was a “mutual” understanding between Ukrainian and EU officials.
Kyiv:
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday that his war-torn country deserves to start EU accession talks “this year”.
“I believe that Ukraine deserves to start negotiations on EU membership this year,” Zelensky said on Thursday after talks with EU chief Ursula von der Leyen.
He added that further integration with the European bloc would inspire Ukrainians and “inspire” them to fight against Russian troops.
Kyiv is hosting a high-profile EU-Ukraine summit on Friday.
Last June, EU leaders granted candidate status to Ukraine, months after Russian President Vladimir Putin sent troops to the pro-Western country. But despite Kyiv’s momentum, the road to full membership is long and could take years.
French President Emmanuel Macron warned last May that it could take “decades” before Ukraine met the criteria and gained full membership.
Zelensky said there was a “mutual” understanding between Ukrainian and EU officials.
Zelensky said, “Only a strong Ukraine and a strong European Union can protect the lives we value.”
“And that our further integration should give energy and inspiration to our people to fight against any obstacles and threats.”
The Ukrainian leader also said that global pressure on Russia should be increased.
“The enemy is at a specific stage when Russia’s strategic defeat is already obvious,” he said. “But tactically, they still have the resources to take offensive action.”
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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