Volodymyr Zelensky has pressed for rapid admission into the EU to reduce Ukraine’s geopolitical vulnerability, which was brutally exposed by Russia’s special military operation.
European Commission chief Ursula Von der Leyen – appearing alongside the Ukrainian President during her second visit to Kyiv since the war began – made no promises, noting further reforms were needed.
Mr Zelensky warned it was a “decisive time” for his country and the EU.
“Russia wants to ruin European unity, wants to leave Europe divided and wants to leave it weak. The entirety of Europe is a target for Russia. Ukraine is only the first stage in this aggression,” he said.
Officials and leaders in the bloc caution that, even with candidacy status, EU membership could take years or even decades.
Despite reservations among some member states, EU leaders are expected to approve Ukraine’s candidate status at a summit on June 23-24, but with strict conditions.
