Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has pushed for the European Union to establish a 'specific date' for Ukraine's entry into the bloc, a statement he made during a press briefing on February 11. This appeal comes in the wake of recent comments from a European Commission spokesperson who emphasized that while Ukraine's efforts toward EU accession are considered part of the peace process, the EU is not prepared to set any timeline for membership. Zelensky pointed out the importance of having a defined schedule in order to prevent any potential obstruction from Russia, which remains a significant concern amid the ongoing conflict.

Furthermore, Zelensky mentioned that the EU is reportedly working on a plan that could see Ukraine gain partial membership by 2027, although such a proposal would not grant full membership rights. He affirmed Ukraine's commitment to being technically prepared for this step by the specified year and indicated that his administration will strive to fulfill the necessary goals to achieve accession. However, he stressed that the lack of a concrete date could leave Ukraine vulnerable to Russian attempts to undermine the process of integration into European structures.

Lastly, Zelensky stated that he would refuse to sign any peace agreement that does not include a timeline for EU membership, reflecting his administration's priority in securing Ukraine's European aspirations as a central element of any future peace negotiations. This insistence illustrates the strategic importance of EU membership for Ukraine's sovereignty and security in light of present geopolitical threats, thereby highlighting the intersection between EU integration and regional stability.