In a recent interview ahead of the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky called on the European Union to stop delaying and provide a specific date for Ukraine's membership. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that future generations should not have to deal with the detrimental effects of Russia potentially blocking Ukraine's accession for the next fifty years. Zelensky expressed that Ukraine deserves to be a member of the EU as early as 2027, aligning with discussions surrounding a 28-point peace plan proposed by the USA.

Zelensky's remarks come in the context of ongoing negotiations regarding Ukraine's EU membership, which officially began on February 28, 2022. The peace plan, which has undergone revisions, originally proposed a range of steps for Ukraine's integration into the EU, but its current form is less publicly known. This calls into question not only the timeline for membership but also the strategies that may be required to overcome Russian opposition.

Furthermore, the issue of civil casualties in Ukraine continues to be a pressing concern, as the country grapples with the humanitarian fallout of the war. Zelensky's appeals to the EU reflect a broader strategy to secure international support and solidify Ukraine's position in Europe, amidst warnings from figures like Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz about possible dangers lurking in the geopolitical landscape.