Zelenskyy Urges EU Membership for Ukraine Amid Ongoing Conflict

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reaffirmed his country’s commitment to joining the European Union during the Euronews Enlargement Summit on October 31, 2023. Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine’s future is intrinsically linked to the EU, emphasizing the urgency of the accession process while acknowledging the ongoing challenges posed by the war with Russia.

During his remarks, Zelenskyy was asked about the prospect of Ukraine joining the EU by 2030. He expressed optimism, noting that while it may sound “like science fiction,” he hopes Ukraine will achieve membership before this date. However, he stressed the importance of conducting the process “in a fair way,” contingent on the resolution of the conflict initiated by Russia’s full-scale invasion.

Zelenskyy highlighted that the accession should occur only when Ukraine is able to stand on its own and the war has concluded. This statement coincides with the release of the European Commission’s annual enlargement report, which recognized Ukraine’s “remarkable commitment” to reform and progress, while also urging the country to address ongoing issues, particularly in combating corruption.

European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, characterized the 2030 timeline as a “realistic goal” for candidate nations. She emphasized the need for Ukraine to maintain its momentum and avoid any backsliding in its reform efforts. In response, Zelenskyy assured Euronews that Ukraine is taking all necessary steps to prepare for EU membership, including enhancing anti-corruption measures.

When asked about the possibility of candidate countries joining the EU without full voting rights, Zelenskyy firmly stated that membership must be “fully-fledged.” He remarked, “You cannot be a ‘semi’ or ‘demi’ member of the EU,” underlining that Ukraine is fighting for its independence and future as an integral part of the EU.

Currently, the European Commission believes Ukraine has met the conditions to open negotiations on three out of six clusters necessary for EU membership. However, these talks are currently stalled due to a veto from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, which Zelenskyy characterized as “specific support” for Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Ukrainian President reiterated his commitment to fulfilling the requirements for opening negotiations on all clusters by the end of the year.

Zelenskyy also commended the EU’s latest sanctions package against Russia, adopted in late October, which aims to weaken Moscow’s economy and its capacity to fund the war. “Without the help of the leaders of the European Union, it would be very difficult,” he stated, highlighting Europe’s assistance in gas imports and the delivery of equipment to restore energy supplies. He specifically thanked Germany for providing two US-made Patriot missiles to aid Ukraine’s defense.

While recognizing US support, Zelenskyy called for increased military assistance, particularly the provision of Tomahawk missiles to deter Russian aggression. He urged that “the US needs to be open to the opportunities of long-distance weapons,” asserting that such capabilities would apply decisive pressure on Russia.

During a video call from Pokrovsk in the Donbas region, where he has been visiting frontline soldiers, Zelenskyy conveyed the broader implications of the conflict. “They are fighting not only for their own families but for the Ukrainian future and our future in the European Union,” he stated.

As Russia intensifies its missile strikes against Ukraine, October marked a particularly brutal month, with the highest recorded strikes since early 2023. Zelenskyy described this escalation as “energy terror,” aimed at creating chaos and disrupting essential services during the harsh winter months. He asserted, “Putin would like to achieve chaos… but he will not succeed,” contending that Russia’s increased attacks are a response to its failures on the battlefield.

The statements made by Zelenskyy reflect a pivotal moment in Ukraine’s aspirations for EU membership, grounded in a commitment to reform and resilience in the face of adversity. As the country navigates its path towards integration with Europe, the support of both the EU and the United States remains critical in ensuring its sovereignty and stability.