Ukraine's Zelenskiy says proposal of associate EU membership 'unfair'
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy criticized a German proposal for Ukraine to receive 'associate' EU membership, calling it 'unfair' as it would leave Ukraine without a voice in the bloc. He emphasized that recent political changes in Hungary could pave the way for more meaningful discussions on Ukraine's full EU membership. Zelenskiy asserted that Ukraine deserves equal rights within Europe and is defending the continent against Russian aggression.
- ▪Zelenskiy stated that the associate membership proposal would leave Ukraine voiceless in the EU.
- ▪He highlighted the recent removal of Hungary's Prime Minister Orban as a chance for progress in accession talks.
- ▪Zelenskiy expressed gratitude to European leaders for their support during the war.
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Ukraine's Zelenskiy says proposal of associate EU membership 'unfair'Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy attends a press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (not pictured) on the day of the German-Ukrainian government consultations, at the Chancellery in Berlin, Germany, April 14, 2026. REUTERS/Liesa JohannssenPublished May 23, 2026, 03:40 PMUpdated May 23, 2026, 03:40 PMKYIV, May 23 - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in a letter to EU leaders that a German proposal to grant Ukraine "associate" membership of the European Union was "unfair" because it would leave Kyiv without a voice inside the bloc.German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has suggested allowing Ukraine to participate in EU meetings without a…
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