Zelensky demands full EU membership, rejects symbolic status

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to press European Union leaders for a clear pathway toward full EU membership during an informal summit in Cyprus, as Kyiv rejects proposals for alternative or “symbolic” integration models.

Ukraine will argue that it deserves “full” membership in the European Union rather than any intermediate or limited-status arrangements that have been discussed by some member states, Bloomberg reports.

Zelenskyy is set to raise the issue directly with EU leaders at the summit, emphasizing that Ukraine’s role in defending Europe strengthens its case for full accession.

“Ukraine does not need symbolic EU membership,” Zelenskyy said in a statement issued by his office. “Ukraine is defending itself and, without question, is also defending Europe.”

He added: “And it is not defending Europe symbolically — people are actually dying.”

The push comes as the EU continues to refine its approach to Ukraine’s accession process, including discussions on possible accelerated integration mechanisms, transitional arrangements, and security-linked pathways. The European Commission has already confirmed Ukraine’s status as an EU candidate country and opened accession negotiations in 2024, marking the formal start of its membership process.

The Cyprus summit is also expected to address broader issues linked to European security and financial support for Ukraine, including a €90 billion assistance package and a new round of sanctions against Russia, agreed by EU institutions this week.

By Vafa Guliyeva