Zelenskyy says ‘time is right’ for Ukraine to start process of joining EU
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged EU leaders to start the process of Ukraine's accession to the European Union, arguing that associate membership would leave Ukraine without a voice. His comments come amid ongoing military tensions between Ukraine and Russia, with both sides seeking to advance their interests. Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine's military position has strengthened this year, leading to significant territorial gains and increased pressure on Russia to negotiate.
- ▪Zelenskyy stated that associate membership in the EU would render Ukraine voiceless due to lack of voting rights.
- ▪Ukraine has intensified its EU membership efforts following the ousting of Hungary's former prime minister, Viktor Orban.
- ▪Zelenskyy reported that Ukraine has liberated nearly 600 square kilometers of territory since the beginning of the year.
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News|Russia-Ukraine warZelenskyy says ‘time is right’ for Ukraine to start process of joining EUHis comments come as both Kyiv and Moscow try to advance their interests on the battlefield.ListenListen (4 mins)SaveClick here to share on social mediashare-nodesSharefacebookxwhatsapp-strokecopylinkgoogleAdd Al Jazeera on GoogleinfoUkraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addresses a media conference during an EU summit in Brussels [File: Omar Havana/AP]By Al Jazeera Staff and ReutersPublished On 23 May 202623 May 2026Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has told European Union leaders that now is the time to begin the process of Ukraine’s accession to the bloc, describing a proposal for associate membership as “unfair”.Zelenskyy said in a letter to EU leaders on Friday that associate…
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