Zelenskyy says Ukraine should start EU accession talks “this year”.

Kyiv:

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Thursday his war-torn country deserved to start EU accession talks “this year”.

“I believe that Ukraine deserves to start negotiations on EU membership this year,” said Zelenskyy on Thursday after talks with EU President Ursula von der Leyen.

He said further integration with the European bloc would inspire Ukrainians and give them “motivation” to fight Russian troops.

On Friday, Kyiv will host a high-profile EU-Ukraine summit.

In June last year, EU leaders granted Ukraine candidate status, just months after Russian President Vladimir Putin sent troops to the pro-Western country. But, despite Kiev’s optimism, the road to full membership remains long and could take years.

French President Emmanuel Macron warned last May that it could take “decades” for Ukraine to meet the criteria and achieve full membership.

Zelenskyy said that Ukrainian and EU officials have a “mutual” understanding.

“Only together can a strong Ukraine and a strong European Union protect the life we ​​cherish,” Zelenskyy added.

“And that our further integration must give our people energy and motivation to fight against all obstacles and threats.”

The Ukrainian leader also said that global pressure on Russia must be increased.

“The enemy is at a certain stage when Russia’s strategic defeat is already clear,” he said. “But tactically they still have the resources to attempt offensive actions.”

(Except for the headline, this story was not edited by TOI.News staff and was published by a syndicated feed.)