Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski expressed skepticism regarding Ukraine's aspiration to join the European Union by 2027, asserting that both Kyiv and the EU must realistically evaluate Ukraine's readiness. The foreign minister made these comments following a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels, where he highlighted the significant challenges that Ukraine's accession would pose. He noted that gaining membership would not only be a formidable challenge for Ukraine, a large yet relatively impoverished country, but also for the EU itself.

Sikorski pointed out that Ukraine has not fully implemented the Association Agreement, which signifies that necessary reforms are still pending. He emphasized that while creative solutions may be proposed regarding the timeline, they must be grounded in political reality and solid implementation of reforms within Ukraine. His remarks reflect a common concern among EU officials regarding whether Ukraine can meet the stringent criteria for membership in the coming years, particularly as only full adoption of reforms will ensure both readiness and stability.

The discussion illustrates the broader dynamics at play within the EU concerning potential enlargement and the implications of granting membership to Ukraine amidst ongoing conflicts and economic challenges. As Europe navigates its stance toward Ukraine's future integration, the urgency for reforms and an effective political strategy becomes increasingly paramount for Kyiv to make a compelling case for membership in the EU.