Zelenskyy urges EU leaders to accelerate Ukraine’s membership bid

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on European leaders to speed up Ukraine’s accession to the European Union, while welcoming a new support package and the bloc’s 20th round of sanctions against Russia.

In a post on Telegram, Zelenskyy thanked partners for their continued backing and stressed the urgency of financial assistance, Caliber.Az reports.

Speaking at an EU meeting, Zelenskyy urged EU leaders to accelerate Ukraine’s path to membership, stressing that the country is defending not only itself but the European way of life.

“It is important that already in May we can move to unlocking the clusters — to open the first cluster and immediately the remaining five clusters, and then begin closing chapters. We are striving for the same full-fledged membership that every country of the European Union has — from Cyprus to Poland. The only thing we ask for is the acceleration of full membership with a clear date for its start,” he stressed.

“This is necessary to prevent Russia from indefinitely blocking our path. And not only blocking it, but also dividing and weakening Europe to stop Ukraine. A clear timetable and an accelerated procedure can prevent this. That is why we are asking for it,” he mentioned.

Addressing the issue of financial aid, he said Ukraine very much expects the first tranche from the €90 billion package to be delivered as soon as possible.

“These funds are intended for our army, and we are ready to use them to procure weapons, including air defence systems. This is also financing that will help us prepare for winter, and work to protect our energy system has already begun, with European funds also supporting this effort,” he noted.

Zelenskyy called for more sanctions against Russia.

“Strengthening sanctions is the right step, especially given that the Americans have softened some of theirs. The situation on the front line in Ukraine is currently distinct. Our positions are more stable than in previous months and years, while Russia is losing at least 30,000–35,000 troops every month,” he added.

The Ukrainian leader made it clear that this was difficult for Russia, and we must make it even more difficult for them to push them toward diplomacy.

According to him, Kyiv is actively cooperating with countries in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf, as well as engaging with partners in the Caucasus.

“And I want to emphasise: Ukraine offers not only drones, but a comprehensive defence system,” he emphasised.

Zelenskyy proposed the creation of an integrated European defence system, drawing on Ukraine’s experience in countering drone and missile threats.

 He underscored the importance of joint European efforts to protect borders, coastlines, and critical infrastructure.

“I believe this should be a truly European project. Of course, each country works for its own defence, but joint European efforts can have a much greater effect. The SAFE program is likely insufficient because each country does what it deems necessary and feasible, while drone threats are new and constantly evolving. We need to coordinate and create a common European tool — a drone program. We are ready to invest our experience, our industry, and our capabilities,” he said.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov